Robert Helms Iii

Coach Robert Marion Helms III, 76, passed away on December 9th, 2022, in his home, surrounded by his closest friends and family members, after a hard fought battle against pancreatic cancer. He was born on July 30, 1946 in Birmingham, Alabama to Robert Helms Jr and Pauline Helms.

Robert graduated from Phillips High School in 1964 and went on to earn a BA from Livingston University and MA from Montevallo University.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Pauline Helms. He is survived by his wife Lonnie Ray Helms, his children Chris Helms (April), Kim Lackey (Daniel), stepson Jim Ray, grandchildren Kaylin Helms, Kia Jones (Jacob), Colten Helms (Alex), Krimson Helms, Houston Lackey, and Hunter Fals, great-grandchildren Whitt Jones, Clay Simmons, and Autumn Stephens. He is also survived by his loving sister Linda Pannell (Kenny) and nephew Dwayne Henderson (Donna).

Robert moved to Munford in 1971 to begin a long career as a teacher and coach at Munford High School, where he impacted many generations of students and community members. After retiring, he became a volunteer coach with the Randolph County High School Lady Tigers softball team where he continued to mentor student athletes. He may have been small in stature, but he demanded respect and discipline. He felt it was his duty to help as many female student athletes get scholarships to further their academic and athletic careers, and he took great pride in knowing he helped them.

Robert loved history, sports, trivia, traveling, playing cards, and attending church of late. Over the last few months, he loved going to Leon Stephens' house for Sunday dinner and fellowship.

He left an impression on so many people, with his quirky sounds and jokes, to his coaching stories, his drivers ed stories, and even some bus driving stories. Memories that lasted him a lifetime, as well as others.

Pallbearers will be Leon Stephens, Jimmy Mac Stephens, Corky Stephens, Bobby Hayes, Kenny Brewer, Tony Motley, Bill Chappelear, Billy Wilson, Jim McGill, and Thomas Pridmore. Honorary pallbearers are Robyn Wortham Thompson and the 2001 Munford Lady Lions State Softball Champion Team.

Visitation will be December 13, 2022 at Munford Church Of Christ from 4-7pm, followed by a Memorial/Celebration of Life service.
Burial will be December 14, 2022 at 12pm at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville.

In leiu of flowers donations be made to the Munford Lady Lions Softball Program or Randolph County Lady Tigers Softball Program.

Dad "Coach" will be deeply missed by all.