Jesse L. Helms
Jesse Lee Helms, Sr. (June 7, 1909 – November 7, 1982), was a businessman who served as the 31st mayor of Greenville, South Carolina from the summer of 1979 until his death in office three and a half years later. He served on the Greenville City Council from 1973 until his election as mayor, partly in District 5 and also as an at-large member.[1]
- Not related to the late U.S. Senator Jesse Helms of North Carolina.
Jesse L. Helms | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 31st Mayor of Greenville, South Carolina | |
| In office July 10, 1979 – November 7, 1982 | |
| Preceded by | James H. Simkins |
| Succeeded by | Harry B. Luthi |
| Member of the Greenville City Council | |
| In office 1973 – May 14, 1979 | |
| Preceded by | Wayne Wuestenberg (District 5) |
| Succeeded by | Clifford Gaddy, Jr. (at-large) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Jesse Lee Helms June 7, 1909 |
| Died | November 7, 1982 (aged 73) |
| Resting place | Woodlawn Memorial Park in Greenville |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Louise Phyllis Hunnicutt Helms |
| Children | Ann H. Eastland Two deceased: |
| Residence | Greenville, South Carolina |
| Occupation | Businessman: Southern Foods Company |
Helms operated Southern Foods Company. His son, United States Army Major Jesse L. Helms, Jr. (c. 1946–2013), also worked in the company until it was sold to PYA Monarch, after which the junior Helms was employed as an investment broker and insurance agent.[2] Helms and his wife, the former Louise Phyllis Hunnicutt (1914–2008), a native of Maryville in Blount County in eastern Tennessee, also had two daughters, Ann H. Eastland of Greenville and Doris Louise Blair (1937–2006), a victim of cancer.[3] The family was affiliated with the Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church of America, a conservative congregation in Greenville. The Helmses are interred at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Greenville.[4]
In the 1980 presidential election, Helms was an early donor to former Governor John B. Connally, Jr., of Texas, who withdrew from consideration after amassing only one delegate in the early portion of the campaign.[5]
References
- "Historical Archives: Mayors and Intendants, with photos". greenvillesc.gov. Archived from the original on May 17, 2014. Retrieved May 18, 2014.
- "Major Jesse L. Helms, Jr". findagrave.com. Retrieved May 18, 2014.
- "Doris Helms Blair". findagrave.com. Retrieved May 18, 2014.
- "Louise Phyllis Hunnicutt Helms". findagrave.com. Retrieved May 18, 2014.
- "Greenville, South Carolina (SC) Political Contributions by Individuals". city-data.com. Retrieved May 18, 2014.