A native of Harlan County, he had lived here all of his life. He believed in the Baptist faith. He was a retired coal miner.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Maggaline Poore Helton; his father, W.F. Helton; and two grand daughters: Angel Cloud and Jessica Fox Helton.

Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Nancy E. Fuson Helton, Evarts; three daughters: JoAnn Hill, Evarts; Amy Wynn and husband, Royce "P-nut" Wynn Jr., Evarts; Debbie Campbell Wilks, Texas; a brother, Estil Helton and wife, Juanita, Kildav; seven grandsons: James Hill Jr., Joseph Hill, Jacob F. Helton, Nicholas Helton, Tristen Wynn, Josh Wilks, and Jacob Wilks; two very special friends, Jack Thompson, Elcomb; and Terry Williams, Evarts; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Saturday and Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Evarts Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Evarts Funeral Home with the Rev. Bill Moore officiating.

Burial will follow in the Evarts Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Terry Williams, Jim Stacey, Royce Wynn, Jr., Johnny Parker, Roger White, and Jack Thompson, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Thompson, Tommy Thompson, Ron Posey, William Zunda, Phillip Ball, and David Thompson.

Evarts Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.