Ricky G. Helms

Ricky Helms, age 71, of Avon Park, FL passed away peacefully in his sleep and surrounded by family on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Ricky was born on May 4, 1954 in Avon Park to Talmadge P. and Lillie (Barefield) Helms. While in high school, he met the love of his life Beth Ferguson. Beth recalls that she was drawn to his soft spoken and gentle nature, but also that he was cute and the bell bottoms didn’t hurt either. Once they set up their first date, Beth dropped to her knees in her family living room and yelled “I have a date with Ricky Helms!” Beth and Ricky were married after 5 years of dating and ultimately were together for 53 years, 48 of them happily married.

Upon graduation, Ricky attended Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL to study Electrical Engineering, though left to return home and care for his father once he became ill. After returning to Avon Park, Ricky began work running copies in the basement of the Highlands County Courthouse before moving on to work in the Clerk of Courts Office. After starting a family, Ricky earned his degree in Finance from Webber College in Babson Park, FL by attending night classes and working side jobs mowing lawns to further support his family and his education. Ricky later joined the Highlands County budget department and eventually served as the director of the Office of Management & Budget for 14 years. There he modernized and computerized the county’s budget process, and under his leadership the department won numerous annual Certificates of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the State of Florida. Before retirement, he rose to the level of Assistant County Administrator, and then County Administrator. During his career, he was a member of the Florida Government Finance Officers Association and in time served as the President of the Association, driving several initiatives during his tenure and establishing the Heartland Chapter of the Association. In 2024, the Association awarded him the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Even with all this, Ricky would likely have said one of his greatest achievements was supporting his family and raising his two sons, Glynn and Bryan. He was a loving and devoted husband and father. He officially and unofficially helped coach many pewee football, little league baseball, and YMCA soccer teams. You could always find him at games, band concerts, and solo recitals proudly and dutifully recording with his camcorder. He was always the biggest fan of anything his boys or Beth did. This continued as he became a grandpa, with Ricky being a loving and devoted “Bampa” to his three granddaughters. His love and guidance served as a strong example for his sons as they moved into adulthood.

Ricky was a man of honesty and integrity, and a man of faith. The common refrain from anyone that knew Ricky is that “he was a good man.” His gentleness and kindness served as a warm welcome to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. While known as more quiet and contemplative, he had a sharp wit and would often catch people by surprise with well-timed one-liners. In retirement, he got to fully dive into one of his other great passions: golf. He could often be found playing rounds and participating in local tournaments in and around the community. He often cited the phrase “even a bad day on the golf course is better than a good day at work.” He loved and served his community, serving on the board of the Ridge Area Arc, on the board and as President and later Vice President of the Historical Society and Depot Museum, and served as an Elder and Treasurer of Avon Park Christian Church.

Ricky was loved and provided so much to so many people during his life. The world will be a little dimmer without his light in it.

Ricky is survived by his Wife – Beth Helms of Avon Park, FL; Sons – Bryan Helms (Audrey Waller) of San Francisco, CA; Glynn Helms (Tonya) of Pell City, AL; 3 Granddaughters – Ashlyn; Kate; and Emma. Ricky was preceded in death by his Parents – Talmadge P. and Lillie (Barefield) Helms; Brothers – Robert Earl Helms; Donnis Helms; Bud Helms; Sisters – Jeannie Drew and Carolyn Kimble. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Cremation arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
Avon Park, Florida
Online condolences may be left at
www.stephensonnelsonfh.com