Joseph “Joe” A. Helsley, 80, of Frederick County, Virginia passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Joe was born in 1937 in Winchester, Virginia, the son of the late George and Lottie Helsley. He was the owner of Helsley’s Auction, where he auctioneered for 40 years. Joe lived to work and, as a team, he and his wife, Betty Lou, worked to live. He possessed a strong work ethic that he carried all his life. He was a member of Beacon Baptist Church in Whitacre, Virginia. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother that will be missed.
Joe married Betty Lou Dorsey on June 20, 1956 in Hagerstown, Maryland.
Surviving with his wife of 61 years are daughters, Kay Helsley Stotler (Ronnie) of Cross Junction, Virginia; Tammy Helsley McDonald (Mike) of Winchester, Virginia; sons, Gary Helsley (Sylvia) and Roger Helsley (Phyllis) of Winchester, Virginia; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; sisters, Madeline Dubuler (Ray), Mary Lee Ritter (Charles), June Bishop (Bob) all of Winchester, Virginia and Barbara Funkhouser (Garland) of Baker, West Virginia; brothers, James Helsley (Eliose) of Winchester, Virginia and Paul Helsley (Lena) of Baker, West Virginia; and his faithful canine companion, Princess.
Joe was preceded in death by two grandsons, sister, Aaron Miller and brothers, George Helsley, Jr. and Jacob Helsley.
The family wishes to express their utmost appreciation of the loving care of the nurses and techs of Winchester Medical Center and Dr. William Brink.
A gathering of family and friends will be from 12 pm to 2 pm on Monday at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel with a funeral service to follow at 2 pm with Pastor Daniel Armentrout officiating. Interment will be in Grange Hall Cemetery, Frederick County, Virginia.
Serving as pallbearers will be Dalton Kerns, Josh Kerns, Jr., Timmy Smelser, Jeff Kerns, Jeff Kerns, Jr., and Chad Shanholtz.