Claude Gordon Helton

Claude was born in Ellenboro, NC (Rutherford County) on July 29,1935. He was the second child born to William Luther and Oma Jane Helton. Claude was a graduate of Ellenboro High School. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America and became an Eagle Scout in January 1953. Upon graduation from high school, he worked in a local textile mill and drafted into the US Army in 1958. Upon completion of his military duties, he attended Gardner Webb College and then transferred to Appalachian State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in 1963. He later went on to receive his MA and EDS from ASU. Claude worked as a teacher and assistant principal at North Surry High School for a number of years. Prior to his retirement in 1997, he also served as the Vocational Director for Surry County Schools. For his long and distinguished service to the State of North Carolina, he was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award by Governor James B Hunt ,Jr in 1997. Claude was an active member of Bannertown Baptist Church for many years where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher and also served on various church committees. In addition to his parents, Claude was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Clary Helton, whom he married September 2, 1962. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Dan Helton and his three sisters, Joyce, Helen and Dorothy Helton. Claude is survived by his children, Cynthia Paul and husband, Robert Paul of Asheboro, NC and son, Brian Helton, and his wife Pamela of Mt. Airy, NC. He is also survived by four grandchildren:James Paul and his wife, Catherine, John Paul and his wife, Jennifer; Jessica Paul and Phisher Helton. Additionally, he is survived by three great grandchildren, Tristan Paul, Oliver Paul and Charles Paul. A graveside service will be held on Friday, April 24,2026 at Skyline Memory Garden in Mt. Airy, NC at 2:00pm. The family has entrusted Moody's in Mount Airy with arrangements.