This page is dedicated to the memory of our friend Sam Helms who made his journey home to Heaven on August 11, 2005. Sam Helms was a founding member of Missions 4 Jesus who shared the love of Jesus Christ with every person he met.

Samuel Leigh Helms, 59 of Monroe joined his Heavenly Father on August 11, 2005 after a courageous battle with brain tumors. He was born September 10, 1945 in Knoxville, TN and graduated from Sun Valley High School of Monroe, NC in 1963.

At the age of 21, Sam volunteerly joined the US Army and fought in the Vietnam war, were he earned a number of metals, including the Good Conduct Metal and a Purple Heart. He loved his country.

Sam also had a passion for helping others and a goal of becoming a police officer. In 1976 he became a firefighter, but continued training at the Charlotte Police Academy. In 1980 he graduated and became Monroe, NC's first Public Safety Officer, having been trained in the areas of fire, rescue, and police. Sam enjoyed a very rewarding career in Public Safety, received numerous awards and was promoted to Lieutenant before retiring in October of 2002.

Sam also loved working with his hands and making things. After retirement, he started a Home Improvement business as a hobby, but soon found his true passion. He joined a missions team going to Malawi, Africa to build an orphanage. This God given opportunity allowed him to help others who could not help themselves.

In March of 2004 Sam was diagnosed with cancer, but this did not lessen his desire to help the people of Africa where he had developed an overwhelming passion and love for them. On November 12, 2004 Sam returned to Malawi, Africa along with three other members of Missions 4 Jesus. During this trip, hundreds of villagers and several hospitals received food and medicine and construction of a maize mill was started.

Sam Helms loved the Lord. He was a member of Unionville Baptist Church in Monroe, NC where he loved his church family. Sam is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Vickie Baucom Helms who stood by him faithfully during his illness, his mother, Mae Helms of Monroe, and his late father, Worth Helms, two sons, Todd Helms of Wingate and Jason Helms of Monroe, three grandchildren, Taylor Helms, Bailey Helms both of Monroe and Triston Helms of Wingate.

We love and miss you Sam...