Helms, Harley Edgar

Harley Edgar Helms, 86, of Blacksburg, died Saturday, February 6, 2010 at his home. He was born in Blacksburg, Va. on May 2, 1923 to the late Howard Grant and Virginia Strickler Helms and was also preceded in death by a sister, Helen H. Compton.

Harley apprenticed in the shoe repair business under Frank Mutter at the age of 13 and operated his own business in Blacksburg until two years ago. His career spanned 71 years where he made many friends in the store, community and also with the bowling league. At this time Harley was bowling in five leagues.

He is survived by two sisters, Ruth H. Payne of Blacksburg and Martha M. Helms of Christiansburg; four nieces and nephews, Ralph S. Compton of Phoenix, Ariz., Donald Compton of Atlanta, Ga., Virginia Burrowbridge of Fredericksburg, Va., Nancy P. Curtis of Va. Beach; greatnieces and nephews, Steve Compton, Jill Compton, Gary Compton, Ryan Burrowbridge, Adam Burrowbridge, Sarah Casto, Sky Curtis; a special friend, Bill Burrowbridge.

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 11 a.m. in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gary McCoy officiating. Interment will follow in the Westview Cemetery, Blacksburg.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the Blacksburg Police Department, the town snow removal crew, Blacksburg Rescue Squad and the doctors and nurses at the emergency room at Montgomery Regional Hospital for their wonderful care. Memorial contributions may be made to the Blacksburg Rescue Squad, 200 Progress Street, NE, Blacksburg, Va., 24060 or Blacksburg Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 240 Watson Ave., NW, Blacksburg, Va., 24060.

Friends may call any time Tuesday and the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening at the McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive, SW, Blacksburg.