Coy Nelson Helms, age 77, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Groveland, Florida on November 7, 2019. He is survived by his wife Glenna Helms, his son Charles Helms, his daughter-in-law Christine Tran and the light of his life, three grandchildren; Colby Helms (14), Carington Helms (12) and Channing Helms (10), and sister Judy Griner.

He left his longtime home of Panama City, Florida and Youngstown, Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. He and Glenna moved to Groveland to be near family who live in Clermont, Florida.

Nelson was born in Dellwood, Florida on May 9, 1942. He moved to Panama City at age five, where his parents owned and operated a Mom and Pop grocery, general merchandise and western store in Springfield, Florida. He graduated from Bay High School and Gulf Coast Community College. He enjoyed racing Harley Davidson motorcycles, drag racing and muscle cars. He owned several horses, one of which placed at the World Championship of Cutting Horses in Oklahoma City. He enjoyed spending time at his fish camp in Howard's Creek, Florida. He served as president of the Kiwanis Club in Springfield, Florida and commissioner of the Pee Wee football league.

He worked for many years as a manufacturer's representative, traveling three states, for Circle Y, Inc. where he was one of their top salesmen, a member of the million dollar club many times over.

After retirement he fulfilled his lifelong dream of raising cattle and found a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction doing just that. He was a real "country boy".

In recent years when his health began to fail and he became disabled, he could be seen getting around on his "Jazzy" and loved to tell people he was working on being able to "pop a wheelie".

He valued his friendships, which were many and scattered all across the United States, and spent many hours on the phone with his friends talking over old times and exchanging stories. One thing that stands out most in talking to his friends is his ever present sense of humor and the jokes he liked to play.

Nelson loved God, his family and his country. And his pick-up truck.