Mr. William "Rick" Frederick Helmich, Jr.

William Frederick “Rick” Helmich, 61, of Avilla, went to be home with the Lord on December 23, 2014. 

He was born on June 4, 1953 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late William Frederick and Laura Lee Mackey Helmich of Avilla, Arkansas. 

Rick spent his childhood on the family dairy farm and graduated from Bryant High School. He attended Arkansas Tech University and graduated with a degree in geology (1975). He continued his education and earned his Master’s (geology and geophysics) at University of Missouri. After graduation, he moved to Tulsa, OK to follow the oil business, then on to Aurora, Colorado. Rick returned to Arkansas in 2005. 

Over the years, Rick was a geophysicist, computer systems analyst/programmer, and geology teacher. His love for geology was obvious with his many trips looking for the perfect geode. 

In recent years, many knew him from his trips to science fiction conventions. Rick was a member of Central Arkansas Speculative Fiction Writer’s Group and the Little Rock Science Fiction Society. Rick was also known for his love of being a “filker” who would break into a loud ballad around the science fiction and fantasy world. He was a published writer and received awards for his short stories.

Rick was baptized on July 12, 1953 at the same church (Zion Lutheran Church) that will celebrate his life in Christ on Monday. Rick was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church choir and volunteered his time to the church working on the church’s website. 

Rick was the beloved father of William Frederick Helmich III and special friend to Paula Fischer Helmich, both of Aurora, Colorado; stepfather to Lisa Lee (Greg) of Phoenix, Arizona and Cindy Hopkins of Monument, Colorado; brother of James Helmich (Susan), Eileen Helmich, Lee Helmich, and Chris Helmich (Connie), all of Avilla; uncle to James Helmich II of The Woodlands, Texas, Will Helmich of Redding, California, Maggie Helmich Chaloner (Kevin) of Benton, Arkansas, John and LauraJean Helmich of Avilla; great uncle to Cole Chaloner of Benton, Arkansas; and step-grandfather to Kayla Davis, Callie Hopkins, Korra Hopkins and Cassi Goldsmith of Monument, Colorado.

The celebration of Rick’s life will be Monday, December 29, 2014 at Zion Lutheran Church of Avilla, 300 Avilla East, Alexander, Arkansas. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the funeral service/interment will follow at 11:00 a.m. Pallbearers are Kevin Chaloner, James Helmich II, John Helmich, Richard Hoffman, Gary Hoppe, Robert Maertens, Bruce Schrader, and Rick Watts. Honorary pallbearers are Will Helmich and the members of Zion Lutheran Church Choir. 

Services are in the care of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home, 306 S. Main, Benton, AR 72015, (501)315-4047. 

Rick was funny, smart, a man of both science and Christ, a booming bass singer who didn’t care that he was sometimes off-key, and a huge science fiction fan - a true giant teddy bear of a man.