James Lonnie “Buddy” Helton Jr., 80, of Rocky Face, Georgia, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, February 4, 2016.
He was born on Nov. 24, 1935, in a dirt-floor log cabin in Cherokee Valley. Saved by the Holy Spirit of God as a young boy, Buddy Helton lived a life exemplifying the tenets of the faith. He was honest in all dealings. He never shirked a task. He loved his family more than life and he loved the citizens of Tunnel Hill where he served the community as the proprietor of Tunnel Hill Pharmacy for over 35 years. He treated all people with dignity regardless of status and was eager to meet the needs of his customers no matter of when they needed him or where they lived.He loved his cows and his bird dogs but held his family closest of all. His life was marked by unwavering persistence in any endeavor. Through force of will and favor of God, he overcame whatever obstacles surfaced between him and his objective. .In a world polluted with varying hues of gray, his unwavering convictions will be missed.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Hudspeth Helton; four children; 12 grandchildren; and his sister, Sarah Helton Lindsey and her family
The family will greet friends at Tunnel Hill Baptist Church on Sunday, Feb. 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. with the service following at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.
Julian Peeples Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.