[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 68 (Thursday, April 18, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                 HONORING THE LIFE OF MAYOR DAVID HELMS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 18, 2024

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mayor 
David Helms, who passed away on March 20th, at the age of 83.
  Mayor Helms was born on October 11, 1940, in Glade Spring, Virginia. 
Upon his graduation from Glade Spring High School, he studied 
elementary education at Emory & Henry College. Later, he received his 
master's degree in education from Radford University.
  His first education jobs included teaching stints at Meadowview 
Elementary School and Glade Spring Elementary School. Later, Mr. Helms 
served as Assistant Principal and Principal of Marion Primary School. 
He served in his role as Principal until his retirement from education 
in 2000.
  From 1990-2000, Mr. Helms served on the Marion Town Council. He 
became Marion's Mayor in 2000. In public office, Mayor Helms pursued 
projects to revitalize downtown Marion and improve his community.
  Mayor Helms was a fierce advocate in recognizing veterans for their 
contributions and sacrifices. He worked closely with the Marion VFW 
chapter and the East Tennessee Chapter of Rolling Thunder. Mayor Helms 
also played an instrumental role in promoting Marion's Memorial Day 
activities. Marion's Memorial Day parade is one of the most patriotic 
festivities in the Ninth District of Virginia. I have loved being in 
the parade with Mayor Helms. It receives widespread praise across the 
Commonwealth and the region every year.
  Also, Mayor Helms was an active member of the Glade Spring Volunteer 
Fire Department. He admitted that firefighting and rescue services were 
in his blood.
  Mayor Helms is survived by his wife Sue Winsett Helms; brother-in-
law, Clyde Hoots; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families.
  I had the pleasure of working with Mayor Helms over the years. His 
love for Marion and Smyth County was evident. As a public-school 
teacher, principal, and town council member, Mayor Helms exhibited some 
of the finest qualities of a public servant.

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