LUTHER C. HELBERT JR.

Luther C. Helbert Jr. of Colonial Heights VA, formerly of Coeburn, peacefully departed this world on Tuesday May the fourth, 2021 of advanced lung cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther C. Helbert Sr. and Virginia Ella Nixon Helbert, his beloved sisters Dolly Helbert Dowell, Roxanne Helbert LaForce and Margaret Helbert Smith and his precious grandson, Thelonius Luther Helbert Fueglein.

He is survived by his devoted wife Jennifer Robertson Helbert; loving daughter Karla Helbert, granddaughter Lula and son-in-law Jamie Fueglein, of Richmond; his sister Nancy Lou Salyer, brothers Jeffrey, Art and David Helbert all of Wise County, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Known by family and friends as “Butch,” “Lou,” and “Luke” by some, “Doc” by others, and Grandpa to his grandchildren, he was loved and admired by many. A 1964 graduate of Coeburn High School, he was a star football, basketball and baseball player. Enlisting in the Air Force at 17, he became a Sergeant, and was proficient at electronics, communications and transmissions.

He received his bachelor’s degree at Clinch Valley College of the University of Virginia (now UVA Wise) and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Medical School of Virginia School of Dentistry. He took great pride in his work and his great skill and care in dentistry was recognized and appreciated by many.

Known as a man of few words with a dry wit, he could always be relied on by family and friends in need and was loved by all dogs and children, whether he liked it or not. His whole life, whatever hobby he picked up, he became skilled at—photography, bowhunting (even though he won many tournaments, he never shot an animal), computers, golf club making, and puzzle solving of all kinds. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed the outdoors. As a lifelong birdwatcher, he loved to feed and care for the avian populace nearby. He was a great lover of books, poetry, science fiction, and history. He will be greatly missed and always loved.

A memorial service will be held on his 75th birthday, July 26, outdoors at MountainRose Vineyard in Wise, VA from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for family and friends. Ashes will be interred at the Colyer Family Cemetery next to his grandson in a private service. He requested that those wishing to make a gift in his memory, or in lieu of flowers, send donations to ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, 5211 West Broad Street, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23230 in honor of his grandson Theo.