Johnnie R. "Gunny" Helms

Johnnie R. “Gunny” Helms, beloved husband, father, teacher and Marine, passed away at the age of 79 on Sunday, June 23, 2024. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Trinity Baptist Church, 1601 I-40, with Dr. Nate Magloughlin officiating. Burial will follow at Llano East Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Friday at Cox-Rowley Funeral Home, 4180 Canyon Drive.

Johnnie was born August 28, 1944 in Plainview, Texas to Juana and W.E. Helms, Jr. He graduated from Quitaque High School and went on to earn a bachelor degree in Education from Belford University in Houston. He married his wife Nelda on May 3, 1969 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Johnnie proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, embodying the values of honor and service throughout his life. Together, he and Nelda embarked on a journey marked by his dedicated service, leading them to live in various places. Johnnie served from 1968 to 1989, retiring as a Gunnery Sergeant. During his service, he was deployed to Vietnam and upon his safe return became a Drill Instructor at MCRD San Diego. He then went on to Embassy Duty in Paris, France serving as the ANCOIC during that tour. Johnnie then went on to serve as an Artillery Instructor in Camp LeJeune, NC, then served various duty stations in Northern Virginia, finishing his military career as the Career Planner for the MSG Battalion in Quantico, Virginia.

Following retirement from the Marine Corps, Johnnie pursued his passion for education, teaching at the Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock, Arkansas. After settling in Amarillo, Texas, Johnnie taught JROTC at Caprock High School for 20 years, retiring in 2015. Known as “Gunny” to his students and cadets over the years, Johnnie was well-respected and held in high esteem by many.

Following his second retirement, Johnnie enjoyed traveling, woodworking and going on fishing trips with his son, Phillip. He served with Volleys for Veterans for many years, paying tribute to his fellow servicemen and women through funeral honors. He went to work for Cox-Rowley Funeral Home in 2017 as a funeral assistant. His commitment to this role solidified his reputation as a pillar of strength to the Amarillo community.

In 1997, Johnnie made what he considered to be his most important decision: he gave his life to Christ. He joined Trinity Baptist Church at that time, where Nelda was already a member. Johnnie became active in the church, participating in several mission trips, and serving on the servant team and as an usher.

Johnnie was hungry for the Word of God and was dedicated to his study of the Bible and sharing it with everyone he could. He attended Bible Study Fellowship for many years and went on to serve as group leader in Community Bible Study in Amarillo, and impacted many lives in this capacity. His love of scripture and fellowship was never ending.

Johnnie Helms will be deeply missed and remembered for his unwavering faith, generosity and selflessness. He leaves behind a legacy of service and kindness that will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Deborah Stinson; and his uncle who was like a brother to him, Joe Edd Helms.

Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Nelda Helms; a son, Phillip Helms and wife Celeste of Little Rock, AR; a daughter, Terri Talley and husband Brian of Amarillo; a sister, Rhealene Nations and husband Jackie of Van, TX; and three grandchildren, Ainsley Helms, and Liam Helms, and Abigail Farrell of Little Rock, AR.

The family suggests memorials may be made to Mission Taiwan, c/o Trinity Baptist Church, 1601 I-40, Amarillo, TX 79109.