Mr. Joe Kenneth Helms, 86 of Lakeview Drive, Cherryville passed away Sunday, September 6, 2015 at his residence.

Born December 16, 1928 in Cleveland County, he was a son of the late Clifton Helms and Maggie Helms. Joe was retired from Carolina Freight Carriers as a dock worker and was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Cherryville.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Willis Helms; son, Bobby Joe Helms and brother, John Helms.

Survivors include a daughter, Brenda Seate and husband, Maurice of Cherryville; two sons, Don Helms and wife, Faye of Lincolnton and Rick Helms and wife, Debbie of Blacksburg; daughter-in-law, Jo Ann Helms of Rocky Mount; nine grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and brother, Bill Helms of Fallston.

Visitation: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday at Stamey- Cherryville Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

The funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Wednesday at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Rev. Wayne Key and Rev. Norris Willis officiating. The body will lie in state thirty minutes before the service.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, PO Box 579, Cherryville, NC 28021 or to Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

A guest register is available at www.stameycherryvillefuneralhome.com

Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home & Cremation Service is serving the Helms family.