Ralph Helton

Ralph J. Helton, 91, left his home in Darlington, SC, for his heavenly home where a place was prepared for him on Saturday, September 13, 2025.  A visitation is planned for Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 1:00 at Belk Funeral Home, Darlington with funeral service to follow at 2:00 in the chapel. Burial will follow at Darlington Memorial Gardens.

Born May 7, 1934, to Vernie and Blanche Helton in the hills of Virginia, Ralph was one of 14 children who had a strong work ethic instilled in him at an early age. In order to earn money as a young boy, Ralph worked many odd jobs, including hunting for skins to sell, and eventually working in the coal mines.  After marrying the love of his life, Irene Norris Lester, the two moved briefly to Ohio where their son, Douglas, was born. After returning to Virginia, the young couple decided to move to Darlington, SC, with a job opportunity and where they created a loving home for over 63 years. A few months after their SC move, their son, Jeffrey was born.  Ralph went on to a successful career with Nytronics and later General Electric, from which he retired. In addition to working for these companies, Ralph always had a side hustle: a gas station, a welding business, a flea market booth, and a small farm of animals. If there was an opportunity to make a dollar, he found it. Ralph was never afraid of hard work.  He spent countless hours piddling in his shop and was always one willing to loan a tool along with teaching someone how to use it.  He was a true and loyal friend who could be called on for help at any time. Over the years, Ralph enjoyed hunting, fishing, shrimping, square dancing, and a good game of Rummy.

Surviving is his wife of nearly 71 years, Irene, whom he considered the love of his life; his sons: Douglas (Kim) Helton of Lugoff, SC, and Jeffrey (Sherri) Helton of Florence; granddaughters: Haley (Austin) Rogers  along with their children Charley Kate and Hampton Rogers of Raleigh, NC,  and Whitney (Jon) Shea of Rock Hill, SC. Left also to cherish his memory are his siblings Robert (Kathy) Helton, Louise Lester, Betty (Teddy) Boyd, Dot Lester, Barbara Vance, Rosie Brown, very special sister-in-law, Carol Horn, cousins- like- brothers, Kenneth and Carl Helton, good friend, Bill Foster, and his faithful canine companion, Ginger.

Ralph was pre-deceased by his parents along with his siblings Billy, Tom, William (Bill), Ollie, Stella Mae, Mable, and Leona; special cousin-like- brother, Clyde Helton, and his dear friends and brothers-in-law, Elmer Horn and Ellis Lester.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to The Darlington First Church of God 620 North Main Street Darlington, SC 29532 or to "Temple Treasures" c/o Temple FWB Church 1660 North Governor Williams Highway Darlington, SC 29532.