A Vietnam War veteran, Walter Dwayne Helton, 71, of Sunny View, died Nov. 1, 2013.

He was born in Polk County on April 27, 1942, to Uzzell Helton and Kansas Ruff. Walt lived simply and maintained a deep respect for the land.

He enjoyed traveling to national parks and encountering new cultures in Chile and The Philippines.
His wife, Carmelita Basnillo; his brother, Bill Helton; and his sister, Lois Kay Dudra, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his daughter, Tena Helton, and her husband, Jeff Miller, as well as three grandchildren, Evan, Jason and Audrey; siblings, Marvin (and sister-in-law, Jean) Helton, Cheria Helton, Fay (and brother-in-law, John) Fagan and Sharon Cunningham; brother-in-law, Bill Dudra; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who mourn his passing.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013, at 2 p.m. at Cooper’s Gap Baptist Church in Sunny View, with Rev. Don Hollifield officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Dr. Columbus, NC 28722 or any charity you choose.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.
McFarland Funeral Chapel