David Bennett Helms, 87, a WWII veteran, passed away Wednesday, July 6, 2011. David was born Aug. 10, 1923, in Barbour County, Ala.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 7, 2011, from 6-8 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1405 Chapel Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092. Funeral services will be Friday, July 8, 2011, at 10 a.m. at the same location. A graveside service will be held Friday afternoon at Creel Cemetery in Lodi, Ala., at 3 p.m.

David served his country as a medical technician. He continued his medical technician career and retired from the state of Alabama and the federal government.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Virginia.

He is survived by his sister, Myrtis Tew; his brother, Harold Helms (Shirley); his sister-in-law, Carolyn Helms; and his seven children, David B. Helms Jr. (Jan) of Midland City, Ala.; Emory C. Helms, PhD, of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Mellanie H. Bailey (Kenneth) of Wetumpka, Ala.; W. Lee Helms (Renee) of Montgomery/Clanton, Ala.; Jonathan “Jody” Helms (Julie) of Blountville, Tenn.; Robin W.C. Helms (Marlena) of Albertville, Ala.; and Callie H. Cook (Eric) of Wetumpka, Ala.

David was lovingly known as “Pop” to his 18 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. The pallbearers will be all of his grandsons, Justin A. Cook, Warren B. Helms, J. Brent Helms, Dr. Benjamin R. Helms, Dr. Jody Benton Helms, Travis Benton Helms, James W. Bailey, David J. Bailey and Kevin “Bo” D. Bailey.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Living Legacy Partnership, P.O. Box 409410, Atlanta, GA 30384-9410.

Online guest book available at gassettfuneralhome.net.