Tuesday, March 24, 2026 10:08 am

KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. -- Vance Elbert Helms Jr., 81, husband of Frances Creswell Helms, died March 19 in Testa Family Hospice House, Kings Mountain.

Born in Cabarrus County, N.C., he was the son of the late Vance Elbert Helms Sr. and Edna Ross Helms. He was a graduate of Winecoff High School in Concord, received an A.A. degree from Winthrop College, B.A. from Catawba College, M.A. from Appalachian State University and Ed.D. from Virginia Tech.

He began his career as a teacher, athletic coach, then assistant principal in Iredell County. Subsequently he taught at Radford College in Virginia. Later, he became assistant director of the Office of Employee Relations Counselors in Richmond, Va. He retired from the state of Virginia as Human Resources Director for the Virginia State Library and Archives, also headquartered in Richmond. After a move back to N.C., he was H.R. Director for Burke County, then retired as H.R. Director Of Pathways of Gaston, Lincoln and Cleveland Counties. He conducted H.R. training programs nationwide and received numerous professional state and national awards, but he was most proud of his status as a good husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He also served as an ordained elder of the Presbyterian Church.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, are: daughter, Rachel Zara Helms of Ruther Glen, Va.; son, Alan Upchurch of Blacksburg, S.C.; stepchildren, Karen Upchurch (Darrell) Pearson of Kings Mountain, Susan Upchurch (Michael) McCurry and Joel Upchurch of Blacksburg; sisters, Lena (Harry) Gillon and Sue Sullivan of Mt. Pleasant; brother, Harry Wayne Helms of Wilmington; 16 grandchildren, including a grandson raised in the home, Colby McCarty, and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by brothers, Kenneth Helms of Charlotte, Hugh Helms of Albemarle, James Helms of Kannapolis and sister, Brenda Helms Webster of Kannapolis.

No visitation or public memorial service will be held. Family members are at their homes and will hold a private memorial gathering at a later date.

Any one wishing to honor his memory may make a donation in his name to VIA Health Partners, P.O. Box 470408, Charlotte, N.C. 28247, or to Testa Family Hospice House, 321 Kings Mountain Blvd., Kings Mountain, N.C. 28086.