This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: DorisPetty87 Surnames: Helms - Kelly - Tidwell Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.hatcher/1855/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Helms - Alvin A. (Al) Helms was born Sept. 17, 1931, in rural Jackson County, near Malone. Al graduated from Malone High School in 1951. He lettered in baseball and basketball and was a student leader. He graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in business management in 1955. Upon graduation from college, Al joined the W.T. Grant Company, where he managed several large stores in Florida, Alabama, Texas, Tennessee and Georgia. He opened and managed the Grant store in Milton where he made his home. The company went out of business in 1975. Al managed a restaurant, owned an IGA grocery store and a real estate firm at various times in Milton. For the last 12 years, he was a real estate broker at ERA Bill Wallace Realty. Al was an active member of the Christ United Methodist Church and enjoyed the fellowship of the church and the Milton community. He was a member of the Milton Kawanis Club. Al Helms is survived by Jeanie Kelly, his loving spouse of 13 years; a son, Randall Arris Helms (and Dee) of Grand Ridge; a stepson, Lee Kelly (and Elise) of Independence, Mo.; two grandchildren, Randy, Jr. (and Cori) and Jared; three great-grandchildren, Gabe, Cameron, and Kendall; a brother, Ted Helms (and Phyllis) of Tallahassee; two uncles, Houston Helms of Tallahassee, and Troy Tidwell of Marianna; and a loving extended family that he loved dearly. Visitation will be Saturday, May 24, 2008, from 10 a.m. until service at 11 a.m., at the Christ United Methodist Church, Milton. Interment will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Malone. Note added by Doris Petty Alvin was the grandson of Mary Ocie Hatcher and Archie Tidwell of Jackson County, FL Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.