Mr. Arthur Helf's Obituary
Arthur Frank Helf, age 78, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, September 30, 2016, after a short illness. Preceded in death by his parents, Arthur F. Helf and Ruth Edna Helf (Wilmarth); and brother, Michael F. Helf. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Yvonne Helf (Belcher); daughter, Valerie Wade; son, Brett Helf (Wendy); grandsons, Jalen, Destin and Keaten Wade; step-grandsons, Drew Rice (Nikki), Spencer Rice (Amanda Setliff), Cameron Wade; and step-great-granddaughter, Cadence Rice.
Art served in the Armed Forces (Army) for 10 years, Captain, INF (Airborne, Ranger) in Vietnam and Panama and was awarded ACR with 2 Oak Leaf clusters. He graduated from Florida State University with a B.S. in Marketing and Management where he was President of the Marketing Club. He served as a division executive for Genesco in Nashville, TN and RG Barry in Columbus, OH before founding Marketing Concepts. He was a board member for Small Business Council, Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce; Grandparents Living Theater; Greater Columbus International Film and Video Festival. He was Chairman/CEO of Tennessee Commerce Bank; Chairman of Greater Cool Springs Chamber of Commerce and board member for Franklin YMCA, P38 Inc and President of Franklin Breakfast Rotary. His many awards include American Legion Post 5 Leon Gilbert Memorial Award; the first Williamson County Friend of 4H; 2-time winner of Top 25 Most Influential People in Franklin (2004 and 2006); Franklin Tomorrow Volunteer Spirit Award and Honorary Member of the 327 Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne, Fort Campbell.
Art enjoyed extensive travel with wife, Yvonne, was an avid reader, an enthusiastic follower of his grandsons’ athletic events and a devoted supporter of the military. He was a member of Brentwood Baptist Church.
A celebration of life service will be held at Brentwood Baptist Church in Brentwood, TN on Friday, October 7, 2016 at 3 pm with fellowship in Wilson Hall immediately following. A private commitment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to P38 Inc., P.O. Box 681466, Franklin, TN 37068.
Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, TN 37216, 615-865-1101.
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