Thomas Eugene Helms, 84, of Rock Hill, SC, and Savannah, GA, passed away on September 6, 2023, with his loving daughters by his bedside. Born in Edgemoor, South Carolina on April 20, 1939, Tommy was the eldest son of Walter Eugene Helms and Violet Mae Bolick Helms.  Best known as a homebuilder in the Rock Hill area, Tommy also gave many years of service to the Oakdale Volunteer Fire Department.  He attended Mt. Holly UMC and served as a Trustee.  He loved the Braves, the Gamecocks, and NASCAR, but most of all, he loved his family.  His retirement years were spent traveling the country with his beloved wife, Carolyn, woodworking, and enjoying the many activities and friendships at Summer Breeze Senior Living in Savannah, GA. 

Tommy was preceded in death by his bride of 56 years, Carolyn P. Helms, his parents, and a brother, Darrell Helms.  He is survived by his daughters, Cathy Long (Rick) and Donna Corley (Keith).  He also leaves to cherish his memory 4 grandchildren: Jordan Long (Alana), Mary Catherine Greenway (Dillon), Caitlin Borges (Jackson), and Chris Corley (Carrie), and their children, Addison and Marshall Long, Hudson and Henry Greenway, and Ellis Corley.  He is also survived by two brothers, Steve and Randy Helms. 

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the wonderful staff and friends at Summer Breeze Senior Living for their loving care and to the 6th floor staff of Candler Hospital for their compassionate care and kindness. Memorials may be made to Mt. Holly UMC at 1996 Mt. Holly Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730 or to the Oakdale Volunteer Fire Department at 2633 Saluda Road, Rock Hill, SC.

 A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Wilmington Island Methodist Church. A burial service will be held at Mt. Holly United Methodist Church in Rock Hill at 11:00 am on Monday, September 11, 2023, with the family receiving friends immediately following.