Dr. Kendrel Helton, 91, of Huntsville, passed away Saturday. A native of Atmore, AL, he graduated from Escambia County High School in 1948, Alabama Polytech Institute (Auburn University) in 1951 and Alabama School of Dentistry in 1955. He moved to Mobile, AL to practice General Dentistry where he met and married the love of his life Nancy Wheyland.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fonnie Martin Helton and Junie Etta Bell Helton; two sisters, Leople Peacock and Ima Crawford; two brothers, C.W. “Pete” Helton, and Robert “Bobby” Helton.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy Wheyland Helton; two daughters, Lori Lewis (Dr. Frank Lewis) of Nashville and Elizabeth Nuwayhid (Dr. Ramsay Nuwayhid) of Huntsville; one sister, Nelda Jernigan; one brother, Clyde Helton (Gladys); five grandchildren, Lauren Lewis of Nashville TN, Gregory Lewis (Vicky) of Wonder Lake IL, Kathryn Damson (Brandon), of Huntsville, Blake Nuwayhid, of Washington DC and Allyson Cooper (Chris) of Birmingham, AL; and five great-grandchildren.
Dr. Helton practiced General Dentistry for 42 years before moving to Huntsville in 2006. He was an active member at First Baptist Church Huntsville where he served on various committees, taught Bible studies at Big Spring Manor and delivered Meals on Wheels. He was an active Sunday School member, Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Mobile, Deacon in the Baptist church and active in many service roles. In his earlier years he worked for the US Forestry Service in Idaho and practiced dentistry for two years in the Army Hospital at Fort Benning, GA as a captain. He was a member of the Alabama Dental Association, a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and served on many committees for both organizations, including numerous Study Clubs. He was a member of Christian Business Men’s Committee, the Mobile Optimist Club and served with the Maternity Infant Care Clinic in Mobile.
He had a great love of gardening, fishing, and spending time with family. He was a devoted follower of Christ and enjoyed serving others.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 28 at First Baptist Chapel, Huntsville, with a Celebration of Life immediately following. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in Pine Crest Cemetery in Mobile, AL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church Huntsville or Meals on Wheels.
