Al Helms Jr.

Henry Albert Helms, Jr., affectionately known to all as “Al,” was a man whose life told a story of resilience, purpose, love, and quiet greatness. Born on August 9, 1952, in Oakland, California, he was the oldest son of Henry A. Helms, Sr. and Annie E. Williams Helms, two hardworking parents who migrated from Arkadelphia, Arkansas to California in search of opportunity and a better life. They ultimately settled in Compton, California, where Al’s roots were firmly planted.

Growing up in the inner city, Al learned early the values of loyalty, brotherhood, and survival. He attended CW Burch Elementary and he was a 1970 graduate of Compton High School, where his easy spirit allowed him to make friends effortlessly. During that time, he found companionship among a local group of young men who united not in violence, but in mutual protection, pride, and upliftment of their community—a true band of brothers navigating life together.

Al married Jossalyn Washington, and from this union two sons were born, Christopher and Keiron, who were among the greatest joys of his life. Being a father was one of Al’s proudest accomplishments. He poured into his sons, raising them to fear God, respect others, work hard, and enjoy life fully. His guidance, presence, and love left an imprint that will never fade.

Seeking a slower pace and a fresh chapter, Al later moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where life introduced him to Catrenia Annette Wilson. After a meaningful courtship, they were united in marriage. This union expanded his family, blessing him with two daughters and another son, and deepening his joy and sense of purpose.

Inspired by his father, Henry Albert Helms, Sr., Al developed a deep passion for the culinary arts. Cooking was more than a skill—it was a calling. He dreamed of excellence in the kitchen and committed himself to mastering his craft, later attending National Park Culinary School.

Al devoted decades to his profession, working as a cook at the Arlington Hotel for over 20 years and later at the Majestic Hotel for 15 years. He also worked at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, a place that matched his love for horse racing and hopeful chances at “winning big.”

A man of simple pleasures, Al found happiness in the things he loved most: cheering for the Los Angeles Dodgers, enjoying good music from The Isley Brothers, Chris Jasper, and Isaac Hayes, and spending time with family and friends. He lived life on his own terms—quietly, honestly, and fully.

Al’s life was forever changed with the passing of his beloved wife, Catrenia, on September 5, 2001. Though the loss was profound, he continued forward with strength, remaining in Hot Springs and embracing life as best he could, anchored by family and memories.

Family was sacred to Al. His children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews were the center of his world and the measure of his joy. In later years, after being diagnosed with cancer, he maintained his independence with dignity before relocating to Arkadelphia, Arkansas, where he found spiritual peace and fellowship at Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, officially joining and baptized on September 7, 2025.

With peace, Henry Albert “Al” Helms, Jr. transitioned from this life on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, just moments before the New Year.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Catrenia A. Wilson; his mother, Annie E. Williams Helms; his brothers Gary L. Helms and Bryan T. Helms; and his nephew Tremaine Helms.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his father, Henry A. Helms, Sr.; his sons Christopher (Rosalind) Helms of Compton, California, and his children Christopher, Jr. and Jeremiah and Keiron Helms of Compton, California, and his children Keiron, Jr. and Keira; his children Santina (Joseph) Sotelo of Cedar Creek, Texas, Keyia (Derrick) Wyatt of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Jerry Cato, III of Galesburg, Illinois; 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sisters, Gwendolyn Hoxey, Kim Helms, and Pamela Helms all of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; sisters-in-law Cathy Roundtree and Cheryl Batts of Hot Springs, Arkansas; brother-in-law Gregory Wilson of Little Rock, Arkansas; special friends Felecia C. Jones, Paul and Topeka Strickland of Hot Springs; a special cousin, Roy Williams of Hot Springs; nephews Lamont Hoxey, Andre Hoxey, Armen Hoxey, Damien Helms, and Roland Gosey; aunts, Erma Jean Andrews and Veronica Williams Easter; uncle, Joshua Williams, Charles (Tara) Williams and Tommy (Wanda) Williams; a bonus sister, Alyce Gosey-McQueen, along with a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and his extended Hot Springs family and friends.

Public visitation will be on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Williams Funeral Home.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 2:30 PM at Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, with Dr. Lewis Shepherd, Jr., eulogist. Interment will follow at Piney Grove Cemetery in Arkadelphia.

Active Pallbearers Devin Lucas, Jerry Cato, Christopher Helms, Jr., Derrick Wyatt, Paul Strickland, Datrevon Willis.