Obituary of Morrison Helderman

MORRISON SWINK HELDERMAN Mr. Helderman, of Charlotte, NC, died peacefully during the morning of August 23, 2010 at Presbyterian Hospital in Huntersville, NC. Swink was born in Concord, NC on April 1, 1914, and was the son of the late Charles and Sue Helderman, He was also the next to the oldest of five boys. Swink spent part of his youth in Leaksville, NC, but the majority of his life was spent in Charlotte, NC. Swink and his wife, Elizabeth Conger Helderman, lovingly called ?Libby?, were married for 74 years and were still, after all those years, very much in love. Where you saw one, the other one was always there. If one had a doctor?s appointment, the other one went along. The only thing that was ever able to separate them was Libby?s death in December of 2009. Swink was a devoted member of Glenwood ARP Church for more than 70 years, and served as an Elder for more than 50 years, and was awarded the highest award given for an Elder, namely, Elder Emeritus. During all those years, he rarely missed attending Church services, and Elder meetings, and when he did, it was due to a serious illness. He was an inspiration to every member in the Church, as well as to the pastors that served the Church. Although he had many health problems, he rarely ever complained, and when asked how he felt he usually would say ?I?m fine? when you knew that he was in pain. Not only was he a very Godly man, but he was a loving, caring and gentle man who loved his family, his friends, and his Church family. The best way to sum Swink up in a few words would be to say ?that he was an angel that walked this earth for 96 years?. Swink served in the 592nd Army Air Force Unit, and served in World War II, and was discharged on November 29, 1945. He retired from Stein Hall in 1980. He was preceded in death by his beloved Libby; a son, Morrison Michael Helderman; his four brothers, Col. Charles F. Helderman (ret), A. R. Helderman, Billy Edward Helderman, and James Franklin Helderman; and nephew, Tommy Edward Helderman. He is survived by his son, Randolph Franklin Helderman, and his wife, Leah Wentz Helderman; grandchildren, Michael Allen, Kim Morton and William Paul Helderman; great grandson Brayden Morton Helderman; his only sister, Ivie H. Gulledge; nieces, Bethany G. Deese, Tiffany G. Hancock, Kandi Hughes, Betty McQuay Tysinger, Leslie Klein, Kim Magee, and Joy Helderman; nephews, Roger and Barry Helderman, Terry McQuay, Walter Conger and Lynn Clifford. He also leaves behind Glenwood ARP Church family, and other treasured friends. A service to honor Swink?s life wll be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, August 26, 2010 at Glenwood ARP Church, 5024 Freedom Drive Charlotte, NC 28208, with Rev. Jay Weigel and Rev. Tim Bowers officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn West Cemetery. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the church. The family would like to thank his Cardiologist, Dr. Jonathan Fisher, Internist, Dr. Scott McCune, and his Surgeon, Dr. Robert Allen; and the doctors, nurses and staff in ICU, Presbyterian Hospital, Huntersville, NC, for their excellent care and compassion for Swink and his family during this most trying of times. The family would request that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made in Swink?s memory to Glenwood ARP Church, 5024 Freedom Dr., Charlotte, NC 28202.