Reginald Clay Helmly , 57, passed away on April 13 after a courageous battle with leukemia.  Clay was born in Savannah, GA and graduated from Savannah Christian Preparatory School in 1984. He has lived in Clyo, GA for the past 35 years.

Clay will be remembered for his love of the Lord, his family, and his many friends.  He also loved the outdoors, hunting & fishing, telling a great story, talking about history, and the Georgia Bulldogs.

He was a faithful member of Springfield Oaks Church and previously Jerusalem Lutheran Church.  He faithfully served in many capacities at both of these churches and also served on the Trustees Board of the Effingham County Methodist Campground.

In 1982, Clay's father-in-law, George Patten Rahn, opened the Savannah River Christmas Tree Farm in Clyo, GA. Clay worked for many years at the tree farm helping families pick out the perfect tree for their homes. Clay eventually took over the family farm and managed it for over a decade.

Clay worked as a member of Local Pipefitters 188 and then at Georgia Pacific Rincon plant for over 25 years before his illness.

He is survived by his mother Evelyn Helmly of Savannah; his wife of 35 years, April; his sons Glynn-Patten (Elizabeth) and Zachary; his granddaughter Patten, all of Clyo; his brother Greg Helmly (Sandy) of Brooklet; his sister-in-law Rozanne Aimone (Charley) of Savannah; and 16 beloved nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father, Reginald Glynn Helmly.

The family wants to especially thank the many doctors and nurses at Memorial Health University Hospital & hospice who cared for Clay so well.

There will be a visitation on Sunday, April 16 ^th from 4pm-6pm at Strickland's Funeral Home in Springfield, GA and his celebration of life will be held on Monday, April 17 ^th at 11am at Springfield Oaks Church (210 Cleveland St. Springfield, GA 31329). Burial to follow at Jerusalem Lutheran Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be given to the Jerusalem Lutheran Church and Effingham County Methodist Campground.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel (912) 754-6421.