Joel Edward Helton

Coach Joel Edward Helton, age 66, passed away Saturday, July 4, 2015, at his home in Knoxville, with his family and close friends by his side. Joel was a 1966 graduate of Rule High School and a 1971 graduate of Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Ky., attending on a baseball scholarship. Joel was preceded in death by his father, James (Bull) Helton, and brother, Jerry Helton. He is survived by his loving wife, Chris, and children, Alison Helton, Zach Helton (Natalie), and three grandchildren, Jake Covington, Anderson Helton, and the soon-to-be-here Everly Joel Helton. Joel is also survived by his mother, Dorothy Helton, and brothers/sisters; Ronnie Helton (Kelly), Debbie Keebler (David), Tim Helton, Jamie Helton, Tonya Lackey (Victor), and sister-in-law Cathy Young. He also leaves to cherish his memory 21 nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Monday, July 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church, 701 Merchant Drive, Knoxville, with funeral services immediately following, Dr. Mike Boyd officiating. Family and friends will meet 8:45 am Tuesday at Greenwood Cemetery for interment service at 9 am. Pallbearers are Jeffery Howard, Jeff Headrick, Kevin Lane, Jeff McMillan, Mike Human, Jon Miller, and Caleb Gaston. Honorary Pallbearers are L. A. Headrick, E.T. Stamey, Harry Taylor, and Kelly Robertson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the “Coach Joel Helton Memorial Scholarship Fund,” P. O. Box 18560, Knoxville, TN 37928.