Celebrating the life of
Carl Helfirch
November 05, 1937 - September 03, 2008
Carl Paxon "Bunky" Helfrich
Carl Paxon "Bunky" Helfrich, architect, yachtsman and CNN Original, died peacefully at his home on Hilton Head Island, SC, surrounded by his beloved family, on Wednesday, September 3, 2008. Bunky was born November 5, 1937, in Atlanta, Georgia, and grew up in Savannah where he first became passionate about sailing and architecture.
Bunky graduated from Savannah High School and earned degrees in architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology and L'Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Fontainebleu, France.
He worked for the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers, and then became a partner in the architectural firm of Helfrich, Grantham & Helfrich in Savannah where he was instrumental in the design and restoration of many homes and buildings in Savannah and the Low Country. He was also a partner in Palmetto Bay Marina on Hilton Head. Bunky was with Turner Broadcasting System for 25 years, where he was chief architect and vice president of Planning and Development, also overseeing the design of Turner's business and personal properties world wide. Some of his many architectural accomplishments include supervising the design and construction of CNN's original headquarters in Atlanta, the conversion of the Omni complex into CNN Center, and the consequent master plan for TBS and CNN. He steered the design of the 1996 Olympic Stadium and its later conversion to Turner Field, as well as the construction of Phillips Arena in Atlanta. After retiring from TBS, he became owner and principal in Carl P. Helfrich Real Estate.
Sailing was Bunky's great love. He took to the water as a boy at the Savannah Yacht Club where he won many regattas. Other memorable races in which he participated include winning the Miami to Nassau Yacht Race with his father Carl aboard "Geechee" and the SORC in 1982 as navigator aboard "Windward Passage", his twentieth SORC in a row. Over the years Bunky sailed with Ted Turner aboard his many yachts, sailing in four Admirals' Cup regattas, winning the World Ocean Racing Championship on "American Eagle", and their spectacular 1977 America's Cup victory on "Courageous" in Newport, R.I.
More recently, Bunky enjoyed racing with Teddy and coaching young sailors in the Y-Flyer and Thistle classes at the Atlanta Yacht Club.
Some of Bunky's club affiliations include the New York Yacht Club; Carolina Yacht Club, South Carolina Yacht Club, Atlanta Yacht Club, The Storm Trysail Club, Oglethorpe Club in Savannah, Capital City Club in Atlanta, Sea Pines Country Club on Hilton Head and the Sons of the Revolution.
Bunky is survived by his wife Andrea Carter Helfrich, two daughters from Savannah, Holley Morgan Helfrich and Bernice Bonnie Helfrich Frady, son Carl Edward Teddy Helfrich, currently a Midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland; and two grandsons, Edward Paxon Frady and Steven T. Frady, Jr.
Graveside Services will be10 a.m. Monday, September 8, 2008 in the Greenwich Section of Bonaventure Cemetery.
Memorial Services will be 3 p.m. Monday, September 8, 2008 at the St. Luke's Episcopal Church on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Remembrances may be made to St. Luke's Episcopal Church Mission Fund, 50 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, the Carolina Sailing Center, a 501c3 corporation, P.O. Box 6254, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938, or the WCBS Peachtree Presbyterian Church, 3434 Roswell Road, Atlanta, Ga. 30305
FOX AND WEEKS FUNERAL DIRECTORS HODGSON CHAPEL
Please sign our guestbook online at www.foxandweeks.com
Please accept my belated condolances. Bunky was a mentor when I first got started and I remain grateful to this day.
- Bill Bryan, Atlanta, GA
Andrea,Teddy,Holly and Bonnie, I was so sorry to hear of Bunky's passing...A friend of mine sent the clipping to me. My mom Kate Johnson and his mom were the dearest of friends and I first remember Bunky in my mom's Cub Scout pack. I had a crush on him at Ebba Thompson's Dance classes,but then so did everyone else. Saw him through the years at the X club parties at the Yacht club and he was always a gentleman....Please accept my husband's and my condolences.......Roberta Johnson Bonwit
- Roberta Bonwit, Pensacola, FL
Andrea and Teddy, My deepest heartfelt sympathy.I know Bunky is out of pain and in Heaven and sailing under blue skies every day. I would love to see you when you come to Atlanta.Love, M
- Marilyn Rowland, Atlanta, GA
Dear Andrea, Teddy, and family, Buz, Stephanie and I are deeply saddened by the news of Bunky's death. In such sad times, one can try and find peace in knowing that he is sailing with the angels now and is no longer in pain. We are praying for you all. Love, The Benzurs-Buz,Debbie, and Stephanie
- Debbie Benzur, Atlanta, GA
Andrea, Was with Bunky through high school and Tech, TDT and Chi Phi. Always a good guy and will be missed by all.
- Franklin an Dolly Beacham, Statesboro, GA
Andrea, I do not know if you remember me, the last time I saw you and Bunky was at his Mom's funeral. She and Carl senior were close friends of my parents. Carl senior restored our family home of 38 years when I was only 12. Dr. Dorsey Flanders owns it now on Bluff Drive, 4 doors down from Ruthie and Noel Wright. Although I was somewhat younger than Bunky and did not spend a whole lot of time with him. Bunky was always a warm friend and I always loved to see him. When I think of Bunky I picture lots of smiles. You and your family are very very much in my prayers. I am fighting my second battle of breast cancer, improving slowly, I hope to ggo to Hopkins in DC for more treatments, my son Charlie and his family are there. I wanted to attend Bunky's services, but these days I have to play when I go by ear. I will be thinking of you and your fa mily. Love, Flo Roberts Osteen #4 Briarberry Bluff Dr.
- Flo Roberts Osteen, Savannah, GA
We are saddened to hear of Bunky's passing. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you. Morris and Jocey Ellison
- Morris and Jocey Ellison, Virginia Beach, VA
“I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea & the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship, and a star to steer her by.†But to make that ship go, you need a sail trimmer, And in Bunky, there was no better guy. Like many around the waterfront & elsewhere, I had the pleasure of both sailing with, and knowing Bunky. We are all going to miss your camaraderie and infectious smile, mate. To Andrea, Teddy and family, our most heartfelt condolences.
- Neil & Sarah Harvey, BELLEAIR, FL
Andrea, We were so saddened to learn that Bunky had lost his brave battle with cancer. We will cherish many memories of a friendship that spanned some 60 years!! May God uphold you and the family in this difficult time. Love, Pat and Marianne
- Marianne and Pat Hickey, Smyrna,, GA
I am so sorry to hear of 'Bunky's' passing. He and my late husband went to school together as well as worked together on many building projects. Bunky was a wonderful person with a quick witt and a contagious smile. He will be greatly missed not only by his family but many communities he touched with his presence. Mrs. Hugh H. Jackson,III and family
- Bobbie Jackson, Savannah, GA
Helfirch Family, I was in Bunky's class at SHS and Georgia Tech. Our paths did not cross until a couple of years ago at St Luke's. Also, we were living in Sea Pines at that time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Barbara & Bill Strickland
- Bill & Barbara Strickland, Bluffton, SC
Helfirch Family, I was in Bunky's class at SHS and Georgia Tech. Our paths did not cross until a couple of years ago at St Luke's. Also, we were living in Sea Pines at that time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Barbara & Bill Strickland
- Bill & Barbara Strickland, Bluffton, SC
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY. SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOST OF YOUR HUSBAND AND FATHER. BUNKY WAS A GREAT FRIEND SO MANY YEARS AGO. I SO REMEMBER HIS LOVE OF SAILING IN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE. WHAT AN ACCOMPLISHED LIFE HE LEAD. GOD'S SPEED, CAROL WINN AND EDDIE HAVIRD
- CAROL HAVIRD WINN, INDIALANTIC, FL
Dear Helfrich Family, I am very sad to hear of Bunky's passing but smile at the many happy, childhood memories I hold of growing up on Country Club Dr. and at the Yacht Club. You are each in my thoughts and prayers. Most Sincerely, Mary
- Mary Lane Harris, , GA
So sorry for your loss. We were all part of the Savannah High crowd so many years ago.
- Patricia Harley Stricklin, Brooklet, GA
Andrea and family: Sorry to hear about your lost. My heart goes out to the whole family. I know that the coming weeks will be hard as you grieve and mourn the lost of a husband and father. I will pray for you in this season of loss. May God bless you all in the way He only knows. May you feel His presence in your life.
- Charles Massey, Louisville, GA
The Woodberry Forest School Baseball program will always be thankful for the support that Bunky gave us when Teddy was here. To the Helfrich family: you will remain in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
- Henry Heil, Woodberry Forest, VA
Sorry to hear of your father and husband's passing. I know he will be missed terribly by his family and friends. My prayers are with all of you during this time. Faye N. Cunningham
- Faye Cunningham, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Sincerely, Ruth and Neal Markowitz
- Ruth & Neal Markowitz, Savannah, GA
The hero is one who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by. This is the way Bunky will be remembered by me. My condolence to you on your great loss.
- Carter M. Ramsey, Saint Simons Island, GA
Andrea and family, I have learned of Bunky's passing....you all have my heartfelt condolences. Andrea, I want to come to HH soon and spend some time with you...I send you my love, Sandy Bowen
- Sandy Bowen, Tifton, GA
Andrea & Teddy, We are thinking of you both and want you to know you are in our prayers. We are so very sorry for your loss. Love, Richard, Anne & Richard Hutson
- Anne Hutson, Charleston, SC
Andrea, our tears, our thoughts and our prayers are with you and Teddy... Raymond and Peggy Tucker
- Peggy Tucker, Valdosta, GA
Bunky and I were childhood friends. He lived on Washington Avenue and I lived on 49th Street about two blocks away. As young boys we often played baseball and other sports together in Daffin Park. Bunky introduced me to sailing as his guest at the Savannah Yacht Club and I have loved sailing ever since. Later on we worked together at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Savannah. My wife, Charlotte, was a SHS classmate of his. We were saddened to learn of his passing.
- Ronnie Gerken, Savannah, GA
Please accept my belated condolances. Bunky was a mentor when I first got started and I remain grateful to this day.
- Bill Bryan, Atlanta, GA
Andrea,Teddy,Holly and Bonnie, I was so sorry to hear of Bunky's passing...A friend of mine sent the clipping to me. My mom Kate Johnson and his mom were the dearest of friends and I first remember Bunky in my mom's Cub Scout pack. I had a crush on him at Ebba Thompson's Dance classes,but then so did everyone else. Saw him through the years at the X club parties at the Yacht club and he was always a gentleman....Please accept my husband's and my condolences.......Roberta Johnson Bonwit
- Roberta Bonwit, Pensacola, FL
Andrea and Teddy, My deepest heartfelt sympathy.I know Bunky is out of pain and in Heaven and sailing under blue skies every day. I would love to see you when you come to Atlanta.Love, M
- Marilyn Rowland, Atlanta, GA
Dear Andrea, Teddy, and family, Buz, Stephanie and I are deeply saddened by the news of Bunky's death. In such sad times, one can try and find peace in knowing that he is sailing with the angels now and is no longer in pain. We are praying for you all. Love, The Benzurs-Buz,Debbie, and Stephanie
- Debbie Benzur, Atlanta, GA
Andrea, Was with Bunky through high school and Tech, TDT and Chi Phi. Always a good guy and will be missed by all.
- Franklin an Dolly Beacham, Statesboro, GA
Andrea, I do not know if you remember me, the last time I saw you and Bunky was at his Mom's funeral. She and Carl senior were close friends of my parents. Carl senior restored our family home of 38 years when I was only 12. Dr. Dorsey Flanders owns it now on Bluff Drive, 4 doors down from Ruthie and Noel Wright. Although I was somewhat younger than Bunky and did not spend a whole lot of time with him. Bunky was always a warm friend and I always loved to see him. When I think of Bunky I picture lots of smiles. You and your family are very very much in my prayers. I am fighting my second battle of breast cancer, improving slowly, I hope to ggo to Hopkins in DC for more treatments, my son Charlie and his family are there. I wanted to attend Bunky's services, but these days I have to play when I go by ear. I will be thinking of you and your fa mily. Love, Flo Roberts Osteen #4 Briarberry Bluff Dr.
- Flo Roberts Osteen, Savannah, GA
We are saddened to hear of Bunky's passing. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you. Morris and Jocey Ellison
- Morris and Jocey Ellison, Virginia Beach, VA
“I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea & the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship, and a star to steer her by.†But to make that ship go, you need a sail trimmer, And in Bunky, there was no better guy. Like many around the waterfront & elsewhere, I had the pleasure of both sailing with, and knowing Bunky. We are all going to miss your camaraderie and infectious smile, mate. To Andrea, Teddy and family, our most heartfelt condolences.
- Neil & Sarah Harvey, BELLEAIR, FL
Andrea, We were so saddened to learn that Bunky had lost his brave battle with cancer. We will cherish many memories of a friendship that spanned some 60 years!! May God uphold you and the family in this difficult time. Love, Pat and Marianne
- Marianne and Pat Hickey, Smyrna,, GA
I am so sorry to hear of 'Bunky's' passing. He and my late husband went to school together as well as worked together on many building projects. Bunky was a wonderful person with a quick witt and a contagious smile. He will be greatly missed not only by his family but many communities he touched with his presence. Mrs. Hugh H. Jackson,III and family
- Bobbie Jackson, Savannah, GA
Helfirch Family, I was in Bunky's class at SHS and Georgia Tech. Our paths did not cross until a couple of years ago at St Luke's. Also, we were living in Sea Pines at that time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Barbara & Bill Strickland
- Bill & Barbara Strickland, Bluffton, SC
Helfirch Family, I was in Bunky's class at SHS and Georgia Tech. Our paths did not cross until a couple of years ago at St Luke's. Also, we were living in Sea Pines at that time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Barbara & Bill Strickland
- Bill & Barbara Strickland, Bluffton, SC
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY. SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOST OF YOUR HUSBAND AND FATHER. BUNKY WAS A GREAT FRIEND SO MANY YEARS AGO. I SO REMEMBER HIS LOVE OF SAILING IN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE. WHAT AN ACCOMPLISHED LIFE HE LEAD. GOD'S SPEED, CAROL WINN AND EDDIE HAVIRD
- CAROL HAVIRD WINN, INDIALANTIC, FL
Dear Helfrich Family, I am very sad to hear of Bunky's passing but smile at the many happy, childhood memories I hold of growing up on Country Club Dr. and at the Yacht Club. You are each in my thoughts and prayers. Most Sincerely, Mary
- Mary Lane Harris, , GA
So sorry for your loss. We were all part of the Savannah High crowd so many years ago.
- Patricia Harley Stricklin, Brooklet, GA
Andrea and family: Sorry to hear about your lost. My heart goes out to the whole family. I know that the coming weeks will be hard as you grieve and mourn the lost of a husband and father. I will pray for you in this season of loss. May God bless you all in the way He only knows. May you feel His presence in your life.
- Charles Massey, Louisville, GA
The Woodberry Forest School Baseball program will always be thankful for the support that Bunky gave us when Teddy was here. To the Helfrich family: you will remain in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
- Henry Heil, Woodberry Forest, VA
Sorry to hear of your father and husband's passing. I know he will be missed terribly by his family and friends. My prayers are with all of you during this time. Faye N. Cunningham
- Faye Cunningham, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Sincerely, Ruth and Neal Markowitz
- Ruth & Neal Markowitz, Savannah, GA
The hero is one who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by. This is the way Bunky will be remembered by me. My condolence to you on your great loss.
- Carter M. Ramsey, Saint Simons Island, GA
Andrea and family, I have learned of Bunky's passing....you all have my heartfelt condolences. Andrea, I want to come to HH soon and spend some time with you...I send you my love, Sandy Bowen
- Sandy Bowen, Tifton, GA
Andrea & Teddy, We are thinking of you both and want you to know you are in our prayers. We are so very sorry for your loss. Love, Richard, Anne & Richard Hutson
- Anne Hutson, Charleston, SC
Andrea, our tears, our thoughts and our prayers are with you and Teddy... Raymond and Peggy Tucker
- Peggy Tucker, Valdosta, GA
Bunky and I were childhood friends. He lived on Washington Avenue and I lived on 49th Street about two blocks away. As young boys we often played baseball and other sports together in Daffin Park. Bunky introduced me to sailing as his guest at the Savannah Yacht Club and I have loved sailing ever since. Later on we worked together at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Savannah. My wife, Charlotte, was a SHS classmate of his. We were saddened to learn of his passing.
- Ronnie Gerken, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
