Mr. Ronda Helms

Mr. Ronda Maurice Helms, 69, of Midland, passed away unexpectedly June 10, 2011. Mr. Helms was born May 31, 1942, in Mecklenburg County. He was preceded in death by his father, Norman Helms, and his mother, Edna Ferguson Helms. Ronda was a natural born salesman and spent his early career in the automobile industry. He was honored on numerous occasions with the Ford “Top Hatter” award for his outstanding sales ability and achievement as one of the top Ford salesmen in the United States. With his love to interact with people, his later years were spent selling produce at local Farmers Markets or at his home in Midland. The family will receive friends from 7 – 9 p.m., Wednesday, June 15 at Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland. A service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 a.m, Thursday, in the Hartsell Funeral Home Chapel of Midland with Rev. Gary Wyrick officiating. Interment will follow at Hopewell Baptist Church, Monroe. Survivors include his son, Rodney Helms and wife, Janet, of Midland; daughter, Rebecca Russell and husband, Michael, of Indian Trail; grandchildren, Ashley Helms, Ariana-Michael Russell, Autumn Russell, Haley Whittemore, and Brittany Whittemore; best friend and mother of his children, Rachel F. Helms; brother, Wayne Helms and wife, Gaye, of Hartsville, SC; and nephew Brian Helms, of Charlotte. Memorials may be made to the Mental Health Association of Central Carolinas, 3701 LaTrobe Drive, Charlotte, NC 28211, or to the charity of your choice. Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Helms family.