Ralph Helmericks

Ralph Helmericks Ralph E. Helmericks, 90, of Ooltewah, passed away October 26, 2014. He was retired from Bell Helicopter Mfg.-Textron Corp. with 29 years of service. Mr. Helmericks was a WWII US Army veteran having served as a B-24 pilot in air combat in the Balkans, Germany, Apennines, Central Europe and Po Valley. He received the European Theater of Operations Ribbon and five bronze service stars and well as the Air Medal. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marylee Helmericks; son, Stephen A. Helmericks; sister, Frances Hesselschwerdt. Surviving relatives: grandchildren, Stephanie Morgan and Heather Helmericks; great-grandson, Stephen Morgan; brother, Donald R. Helmericks; daughter-in-law, Nancy Helmericks; grandson, Chuck (Pam) McMillian. Graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday Oct. 31, 2014, at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Honors will be presented by the Tennessee Army Honor Guard. Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family. The family will receive friends 5-8 p.m. today at Heritage Funeral Home 7454 East Brainerd Road.