Henry Helms Sr.

A life well lived, rooted in faith, family, and hard work, came to a peaceful close after 94 years on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, when Henry A. Helms, Sr., passed away at Baptist Health Medical Center in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, surrounded by the love of his family.

Henry Albert Helms, Sr. was born September 6, 1931, by a mid-wife in the close-knit Spring Hill community of Arkansas to the loving union of Hubert Helms and Lorean Clayborn Helms. Raised with strong values of faith, respect, and perseverance, Henry’s early years were deeply rooted in family and church, because his mother made him go every Sunday.

At a young age, Henry accepted Christ and became a faithful member of Clayborn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where his spiritual foundation was firmly planted. Following the divorce of his parents, Henry and his beloved mother moved west to California in search of greater opportunities and a brighter future. That transition marked the beginning of a new chapter – one that would shape the man he became. California offered Henry the chance to grow, work hard, and build a life defined by dedication and resilience.

As a young man, Henry moved to California, where he proudly served his country by joining the United States Navy. It was during his time in the Navy that Henry discovered what would become his lifelong passion—cooking. What began as a skill soon turned into a calling, opening doors to a career that spanned more than four decades.

While attending a Methodist Church with his mother in California, Henry met Annie, a talented young pianist whose gift for music immediately caught his attention. What began as a simple and honest introduction soon turned into something much deeper. To their surprise and delight, they discovered that both were originally from Arkadelphia, Arkansas, a shared hometown that instantly strengthened their bond. Their connection grew naturally, and what started as a sincere date blossomed into a loving marriage. From this blessed union, five children were born. He loved and raised Gwen as his own daughter and together Henry and Annie built a modest home in Compton where they worked hard and raised a family.

Henry devoted 42 years of faithful service as a cook at the Los Angeles VA Medical Center in West Los Angeles, where his dedication and work ethic never went unnoticed. True to his nature as a tireless provider, Henry was never afraid of hard work and often worked two jobs to support his family. In addition to the VA, he cooked at the Matador Restaurant in Century City, CA, until its closing and later at the Playboy Club in Beverly Hills, continuing to work even after retirement—simply because he loved what he did.

Eventually, Henry returned home to Arkansas, where retirement once again found him in the kitchen. He cooked at the Hospitality Care Nursing Facility in Arkadelphia and later at the beloved Caddo Valley Truck Stop, which became a late-night favorite for locals and travelers alike. Many still remember Henry’s hamburgers, steaks, hearty breakfasts, and all the trimmings—served with consistency, care, and pride.

Following the passing of his beloved wife, Annie E. Helms, in 2017, Henry found comfort and renewed fellowship when he joined Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Henry was a simple man, content with life’s modest blessings. He was known as a gentle giant—slow to anger, soft-spoken, and kind-hearted. His presence brought calm, and his words were always measured and sincere.

In his leisure, Henry found joy in watching baseball and classic westerns, often staying up late into the night—sometimes until 2 a.m.—immersed in stories of grit, honor, and resilience that mirrored his own life.

Above all, Henry was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. He lived quietly, gave generously, and loved deeply. His life was not loud, but it was powerful—marked by service, sacrifice, and unwavering love for his family.

Henry Helms leaves behind a legacy of faith, hard work, humility, and love that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Though he has laid down his apron and found eternal rest, the impact of his life will forever be remembered.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert Helms and Lorean Clayborn Henderson; his beloved wife, Annie E. Williams Helms; three sons Gary L. Helms, Brian T. Helms and Henry “Al” Helms, Jr; daughter-in-law, Catrenia Helms, a grandson Tremaine Helms and two brothers, Billy Henderson and Clyde Henderson.

He leaves to cherish his memory three daughters, Gwendolyn Hoxey, Kim A. Helms, and Pamela V. Helms; a bonus daughter, Alyce Gosey-McQueen; his sister, Erma J. Andrews; grandsons, Lamont Hoxey, Andre Hoxey, Armen Hoxey, Damien Helms, Christopher Helms, Keiron Helms and Roland L. Gosey; great-grandchildren, Jordan Helms, DeAndre Helms, Travon Helms, LaShara Martin and Alexandria Hoxey; great-great-grandson Kamari R. Baugh; and a great-great-granddaughter; sisters-in-law, Nora Henderson of Lansing, MI, Veronica Easter Meridian, MS; and JoAnn Williams of Los Angeles, CA; brothers-in-law, Joshua Williams and Charles Ray (Tara) Williams of Arkadelphia, and Tommy (Wanda) Williams of Lynwood, CA. He also leaves a cadre of nieces, nephews, cousins, special cousins, Terri and Dessa Webb.

Public visitation will be on Friday, January 9, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Williams Funeral Home.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2025, at 2:30 PM at Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, with Dr. Lewis Shepherd, Jr., eulogist.