David Joel Helms
Gadsden - David Joel Helms, 61, of Gadsden, passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, after a courageous battle with kidney disease.
David was born on January 15, 1959 in Gadsden, AL. He attended St. James Catholic School, Westminster, and graduated from Southside High School, Class of 1977. After high school, he attended UAB, Gadsden State Community College, Alabama Upper Division. He was involved in numerous organizations and held multiple positions throughout his life including Gadsden Quarterback Club, Chamber of Commerce, Growth Club, Gadsden Lion's Club, Alabama Lion's Sight, and Downtown Action Council. He was the Director of the Joel W. Helms Lion's Eye Clinic, a charitable organization which served many underprivileged people in need of eye care throughout the years. He also went on several mission trips to Mexico with the Lion's Club to serve those in need of eye care.
David was the owner of Professional Opticians of Gadsden, the business his father started in 1949. He was a member of Alabama Society of Dispensing Opticians, Opticians Association of America, a fellow of National Academy of Opticianry, and American Board of Opticianry.
David loved his family and enjoyed the times that he spent with his son, Bradley, especially going fishing. He was very proud of his daughter, Jennifer, and all that she has accomplished. David loved his beautiful wife, Sharron, very much and will miss her until she meets him in heaven. He was a loving Papa to his two granddaughters, Madilyn and Emma. David was a great cook and enjoyed preparing meals for his family and his specialties for family gatherings.
He was preceded in death by his parents Joel W. Helms and Adelaide (Addie) Helms, and his sister, Janice Helms. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 31 years, Sharron Helms, his son, Bradley Helms, daughter Jennifer (Clay) Collins, granddaughters Madilyn and Emma Collins, sisters Linda Bodine and Nancy (Jon) Ryan, several nieces and nephews, and mother-in-law Elaine Peek.
Pallbearers will be Kyle Hester, Dr. John Mark Cooper, Hugh "Skeeter" Crim, Kevin Beck, Andrew Beck, and Don Helms.
Honorary pallbearers are Southside High School Class of 1977.
Special thanks to Dr. Nicolas Bordas, Dr. Jonathan Fuller, Dr. Ramesh Chellamuthu, Fresenius, and the GRMC MICU Unit. Additionally, we are forever grateful for all past and present employees of Professional Opticians, who played a vital role in continuing the family business.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Joel W. Helms Lion's Eye Clinic, P.O. Box 643, Gadsden, AL 35902.
A private service for the family will be held at Crestwood Cemetery.