Mr. Jerry Shane Helms

Visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 pm and funeral service at 3:00 pm Sunday, October 16, at Village Chapel Funeral Home, for Jerry Shane Helms, 57, of Gadsden, who died surrounded by family on October 13th, after a courageous and lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. Deb Welsh will officiate. Burial will follow at Rainbow Memorial Gardens. Village Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Shane was born September 18th, 1965, son to Betty Jo and Jerry Leon Helms. Shane’s father died young, just 42, when Shane was only 11 years old. He made a promise to himself to have children at a young age, so he could watch them grow up. He graduated from Gaston High School, class of 1983, married shortly after at 19, and had his 2 children at age 20 and 25. He has always said his children were the best thing he ever did. He never failed to let them know they were his greatest gift, and he prioritized them above himself everyday. Shane worked hard with a determined work ethic whether he was hauling lumber at Noojins, working at Triple A pottery for 15 years, or building tires at Goodyear for 15 years, until his diagnosis in 2020. Not only was Shane a hard worker; he played hard and knew how to have a good time. He was well known for his love of cars and spent his spare time in his garage working on Volkswagens. He enjoyed attending car shows and showing off his blue Volkswagen truck he called the Trug. He was an excellent storyteller; Many stories often seemed embellished, until his friends and coworkers shared the same accounts. He told the worst Dad jokes and had the best laugh. He was a loving and fiercely loyal mate, friend, brother, amazing Dad, and wonderful Pops to Dani Ryan. The outpouring of love from friends, extended family, and neighbors in recent weeks is a testament to his character and impact on those who knew him. He lived his last years after his cancer diagnosis armed with grit, hope, and humor. He is healed and whole, along with his father Jerry Leon, mother Betty Jo, brother Robert Shannon, and granddaughter Letty Rush. He is survived by his love of 14 years, Missi Shaw; children Ryan (Carli) Helms and Ashley (Dustin) Thomas; Granddaughter Dani Ryan Thomas; siblings Butch (Mitzi) Colley and Robin Cline; chosen brother John Watson. Loyal friends and Pallbearers are: Jeff Baker Brian Bookhultz Tommy Franklin James King Tavarius Perkins John Watson Special thanks to Dr Elquis Castillo, Candace, and staff of Hematology and Oncology Associates of Alabama; Rick’s pharmacy; Dr. Amin; Dr Layla Wren; Monik, Mackenzie, Ashley, and Deb of Comfort Care hospice; In lieu of flowers, memorial can be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital @ stjude.org

Mr. Jerry Shane Helms

September 18, 1965 - October 13, 2022