Robert (Bob) Mason Helms, 79, formerly of Bolar, Virginia passed away on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at the Highland House in Clifton Forge, Virginia.

Bob was born in Washington, D.C. on May 8, 1939 to the late Robert McAvoy Helms of Bolar and Evelyn Harden.

After serving with the Army National Guard of Maryland, Bob, following in his father's footsteps, pursued a career as an auto mechanic, spending over 20 years working in car dealerships in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C.

In the early 1980's, Bob and his wife, Dolores, a registered nurse, moved to Little Valley in Bath County. Little Valley had always been a special place for Bob, being not only the area where his dad had grown up, but also a central and important part of his own childhood, having spent many summers there his grandparents, Richie Burns Helms and Robert Hugh Helms at their home on the family farm. After moving to Little Valley, Bob opened his own car repair shop in Warm Springs, which he owned and operated for 20 years. He loved the work and loved his customers.

Bob is survived by a daughter and a son from his first marriage, Bobbi Jean Helms Scherl of Maryland, and Douglas Helms, also of Maryland; a granddaughter and a great grandson.

A memorial service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at McLaughlin & Young Funeral Home with Pastor Lorrie Aikens officiating.