Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

October 6, 2016

Thomas Stephen (“Steve”) Helms
September 10, 1946 – October 6, 2023

T. Stephen Helms, known as “Steve” by friends and “Gramps” by his grandchildren, died on Friday, Oct 6, 2023 at the age of 77. A native Charlottean and graduate of Myers Park (’64), he earned his bachelor’s in political science from UNCC in 1968. That spring he met the love of his life, Glenda Anne Alexander, and they married on June 1st. The Vietnam War altered his career plans, and he served in the US Army Artillery from January 1969 through December 1970. During this time, he was exposed to Agent Orange, which ultimately affected his heart health for most of his adult life. He worked as an insurance consultant for 40 years where he designed and set-up insurance companies from Alaska, throughout the South, and into Montana. In 1981 he earned his MBA from UNCC, along with multiple insurance certifications. He retired in 2013. Steve was a true Renaissance Man: a furniture maker, toy maker, boat builder, stained-glass artisan, tile craftsman, draftsman, dreamer, philosopher, writer, negotiator, mathematician, photographer, world traveler, orator, bartender, line cook, classic rock enthusiast, and sandcastle “Grand Master.'' He volunteered for Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte and Davidson, and built houses with Jimmy Carter in Houston. As a Life Scout he served as Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America; his son, Jay, and his grandson, Alex, are both Eagle Scouts, and Steve was beyond proud of both of them. At one point in his professional career, he had a formal title of “GURU,” for his ability to grasp, apply, and share his immense knowledge. He was a “wizard of a man” who made dreams come true for those he loved. His father, Dewey Francis Helms, died when Steve was 4 years old, so he was raised by a single mom. He was not only preceded in death by his mother and father, but also by his sister, Jeanne Helms Harris (Ken Harris), who died the day after Steve returned from Vietnam; and he lost his brother, Dewey Francis Helms, Jr. in 1974.

Steve is survived by his joyful, life-loving sister, Sharon (“Shay”) Helms Bolen (Mike Bolen). He was married for 55 crazy, fun-filled years to his wife, Glenda Anne, whom he fondly called “Boo”. They raised an over-achieving daughter, Andrea (“Andi”) Lee Helms Stem (Eric); and a son, Jay Watt Helms (Jaime), who looks, laughs, and acts just like Steve. He was the boasting grandfather of six accomplished grandchildren: Kara Shannon Stem Owens (David); Kamryn Grace Stem Rea (Richard); Clayton Alexander Stem; Naomi Adele Helms; Nora Irene Helms; and Simon Watt Helms. He met his new great-grandson, Sterling Rhett Owens (via Facetime), who was born on Sept 29, 2023. When asked by strangers, “How are you?”, Steve would often reply, “Nearly perfect!” Steve was an outgoing, jovial, kind, hard-working friend to all. Everyone was drawn to his charm, intelligence, kindness, honesty, and sense of humor. He will be desperately missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Covenant Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow in the Welcome Center at the church.

Memorials may be sent to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 East Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28203 or to Our Towns Habitat For Humanity, 121 Norman Station Blvd., Mooresville, NC 28117.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service. 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.