Virg L. "Puncho" Helton, 79, of Gainesville, died Nov. 13, 2012.

Born May 12, 1933, in Harlan County, Kentucky, to the late Glen and Lela Helton, he moved to Dawson County in 1980 and then to Gainesville three years ago.

Mr. Helton lived a period of life in Fletcher, Ohio, where he worked in residential construction.

After moving to Dawson County he was employed by Hoover and the Dawson County School System.

He was a United States Air Force veteran of the Korean Conflict and was a member of Grace Baptist Church.

A loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, he enjoyed Cincinnati Reds baseball, Kentucky basketball and NASCAR.

His sisters, Doris Thomas, Orillia Watkins; and brothers, Eugene Helton, Glen Helton and Raymond Helton, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Peggy Helton of Gainesville; children, Kim and David Tubbs of Gainesville, Billy and Sheryl Helton of Damon, Texas, Beth and Carl Reedy of Troy, Ohio, Alan Helton of Dawsonville; sisters and brothers-in-law, Joie and Clyde Bullock of Lake City, Tenn., Dessie and Harold Kannard of Bradford, Ohio; brothers and sisters-in-law, Kenny and Pam Helton of Gainesville, Donnie and Linda "Sis" Helton of Phoenix City, Ala., Harold "Bummy" Helton of Branfield, Ohio; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; various other relatives also survive.

Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. Nov. 16 at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Tim Holland officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations were requested made to K.A.R.E. for Kids, P.O. Box 211, Dawsonville, GA 30534.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville was in charge of the arrangements.