Ray D. Helpling Obituary (1934 - 2015)

Ray Donald Helpling, 80 of Archer died June 28, 2015 at the E.T. York Hospice Care Center. He was born July 29, 1934 in Wabasso, FL to J.L. Helpling, Jr. and Jean Helpling. He was raised in Wabasso and graduated from Stetson University with a BA degree in 1957 and enlisted in the United States Army following graduation. He served in the U.S. Army Active Duty and Reserved and retired as a full bird colonel in 1994. During his service, he graduated from Command and General Staff College, later serving as faculty for the college and received two meritorious service medals. He also graduated from the University of Florida College of Law with his JD Degree in 1972. He was a partner at Scruggs and Carmichael Law firm in Gainesville, FL retiring in 1989. While attending law school, he and Jack Simmons owned and operated Dixie Hardware and Garage in Archer and City Service Oil and Distributorship in Gainesville. Ray is survived by his wife of 57 years, Frances Simmons Helpling, daughter, Donna (James) Lovvorn, granddaughters Miranda (Josh) Rodgers and Marissa (Gavin) Hawkins, great- grandchildren Madison and Tanner Rodgers. Brothers Edwin (Shirley) Powers and Robert (Eula) Helpling. He is preceded in death by his parents, J.L. Helpling, Jr. and Jean Shaw, brother Ralph Helpling and sister Ramona McCall. Many of Ray's favorite times were spent working with his airplanes. He was a member of AOPA and enjoyed flying his Cessna airplanes. He was also an avid builder and flyer of the R/C airplanes. He was a member of the Flying Gators R/C Club. When not building R/C planes, he enjoyed lots of woodworking and furniture building. He also spent lots of time traveling around the country in his RV. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Archer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Florida Baptist Children's Home, P.O. Box 8190 Lakeland, FL 33802 or the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, P.O. Box 96859., Washington, D.C. 20090-6859. Family will receive visitors at First Baptist Church of Archer on Wednesday, July 1st from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Warren Gilpin officiating. Burial will be held immediately following the service at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Archer.