Raymond Helbig

Raymond Helbig JEFFERSONVILLE, GA - On June 8, 2022, Ray passed away after a brave battle with cancer. He spent his final weeks with his family in Jeffersonville, GA and was surrounded by family and love. Ray was a proud Pittsburgher, born and raised in Brookline. He was proud of telling everyone that he grew up in the same neighborhood as Johnny Unitas. Ray began his career at Universal Auto Radiator, where he met the love of his life Lori. They married in1978 and began a 44 year love story that included a blended family, a move to Florida, and a lifetime of amazing memories with family and friends. Ray was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was smart, loyal and stubborn. He loved his family and everyone who met Ray called him a friend. He gave selflessly to his community and could always be counted on to lend a hand, give sage advice, or have a cold beer ready. In the world of business, he was admired for his management skills and shrewd business decisions. He loved working as a Senior Vice President for Vital Records Control and represented the company with pride. Many colleagues will miss Ray’s sense of humor and business acumen. Ray and Lori lived in the North Side of Pittsburgh, Tarpon Springs, Florida and finally Cape Coral, Florida. With each move brought new adventures and wonderful, new friends into their lives. Ray was a former Little League President (Tarpon Springs) and a proud Elks member. He was most proud of his time as a little league umpire and his belief in his flawless umpiring abilities. He later “umpired” unofficially from the stands of his grandchildren’s college softball and baseball games. He could be counted on to correct the ump when a bad call was made. Ray loved watching his grandchildren compete collegiately and could be counted on to celebrate the win or provide comfort following a tough loss. Ray had many loves in his life – his beloved Lori, his family, fishing, his Corvette, traveling with his family throughout the Caribbean and Europe, a cold beer on the lanai of his home, the Steelers, Penguins, Pitt football, and tending to his avocado tree. His terrible towel joined him on every trip, and he can rest easily knowing that tradition will continue by his children. Ray is survived by his wife Lori, their three children, Ryan Helbig (Amy) of Jeffersonville GA, Marty Vrana (Shirlei) of Lakeland, FL, and Paula Anderson (Kevin) of Chandler AZ. Ray is the proud grandfather of four – John Raymond Helbig, Jonathon Vrana, Brittany Williams (Ken) and Jeffrey Anderson. PopPop to two great grandchildren – Charlotte and Savannah Ray Williams. His loving mother Isabel and his oldest brother Eddie were waiting in heaven for Ray in his final days of cancer. He is survived by younger brother Randy, Danny, Ronnie and Ken. A celebration of Ray’s life will be held this fall in Pittsburgh which was Ray’s favorite time of year. Further details will be posted via Facebook. In lieu of flowers, be kind to your neighbor, volunteer your time for your community, and love your family with all your heart. The Eagle has landed.