Harry Lanier Helmly

Mr. Harry Lanier Helmly, 94, passed away on July 10, 2026 in Metter at Azalea Health & Rehabilitation.

He was born in Columbia, SC and raised in Effingham county, to the late Zannie and Eunice Helmly. He was employed with Southern Railroad for twenty-five years, while serving in the Army National Guard and after this he began his own business, running Helmly’s Paint and Body Shop for twenty-five years. He was a Mason and had served as past master of the Richard T. Turner #116 Masonic Lodge in Bloomingdale, GA, and was a Shriner of the Alee Temple, the Scottish Rite, and the Chatham Auxiliary.

Harry worked for many years on the railroad before retiring, and later fulfilled a lifelong dream by owning and operating his own paint and body shop. Throughout his 94 years, he was known as a hardworking man who faithfully provided for and supported his family. After retirement, Harry enjoyed woodworking, making beautiful rocking chairs, gardening, and making homemade wine that became well known throughout the Metter area. He took pride in his work and found joy in the simple things he loved to do.

Harry will be remembered for his warm smile, contagious laugh, playful sense of humor, and straightforward nature. If you asked him a question, you could always count on an honest answer without any sugarcoating. Above all else, he loved his family, and they were his greatest blessing.

Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that he is now at home with the Lord. His legacy of faith, hard work, honesty, and love for his family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Zannie and Eunice Helmly, a son, Bruce Helmly, brothers, Andrew Helmly and Charles Helmly.

He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-two years, Lucy C. Helmly, his sons, Harry Helmly Jr., Glenn A. Helmly (Melissa), daughter, Linda Helmly, step-daughters, Patty Collins (Ricky) and Cheryl Canady (Danny), a sister, Fran Hambor, seventeen grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 5:00pm in the Chapel of Chapman Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for an hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow at Antioch Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Brad Canady, Brooks Collins, Brandon Edenfield, Bryce Edenfield, Logan Edenfield, Robert Hill, and Tyler Williamson.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Shiner’s Children Hospital, at, Shriners Children’s Greenville, Office of Philanthropy, 950 West Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Harry Lanier Helmly, 94, of Metter.