Robert “Bob” Wright Helm, Sr.

May 2, 1940 - January 14, 2021
Robert “Bob” Wright Helm, Sr.

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Robert “Bob” Wright Helm, Sr., age 80, of West End, NC, passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021, at the First Health Moore Regional Hospital.

He was born in Joplin, MO, on May 2, 1940, the son of Armand Helm and Nondas McDaniel Helm.

Bob graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida State University and worked as a District Manager in the Oil Industry. He was a lifelong sports fan, especially for the Seminoles, and loved to play basketball. He helped organize a Senior Basketball League and was still actively playing. He was a dedicated blood donor, contributing 30 gallons over his lifetime.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Mary Gilliland-Helm, his devoted daughter Theresa Helm Eason (Don), son Robert Helm Jr, 3 grandchildren Hannah, Ryan and Sam; siblings Larry, Gary & Janet; and beloved pets Zonie and Pepe. He was loved by all and will be dearly missed.

No services are planned at this time. A Service to Celebrate Bob’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to Sandhills Community College, Attention Coach Apple, 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374, in memory of Bob would be greatly appreciated.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S.41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099.


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  • January 24, 2021
    George Wesoloski says:
    I was shocked to learn of Bob's passing. He was an outstanding basketball player, first at Florida State and then the stimulus behind the creation of a Wilmington Senior Basketball league. Some years ago he lead the Wilmington Senior Basketball team to Runners Up in the NC Seniors State Finals. The numerous times he lead the Wilmington team in Senior Games was a tribute to Bob's leadership. Bob left us with lasting memories. Yes, he will be missed.

  • January 24, 2021
    Olivia Marshburn says:
    I’m so sorry Mary. Bob was a good man and loved you dearly.

  • February 05, 2021
    Bob Burnett says:
    I'm still in shock as many others are. Bob was my Big Brother in our fraternity at FSU. He and Mary visited me in Valle Crucis, NC. He loved basketball. I will miss him dearly.

  • June 05, 2021
    George A. Peters, Sr. says:
    I am a first cousin once removed on his mother’s side and knew him as a little kid in Joplin, MO. In our later years we renewed contact by email and text and sometimes by phone calls. In fact just a couple of weeks before his passing, he called and we had a nice talk. So it was a shock to hear of his passing. He was my last living relative on my father’s side. May God bless you all.