Ralph E. Helmericks, 90, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, died on October 26, 2014.
He was retired from Bell Helicopter Mfg.-Textron Corp. with 29 years of service. Mr. Helmericks was a World War II U.S. 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, and sister, Frances Hesselschwerdt.
Surviving relatives are his grandchildren, Stephanie Morgan and Heather Helmericks, great-grandson, Stephen Morgan, brother, Donald R. Helmericks, daughter-in-law, Nancy Helmericks, and grandson, Chuck (Pam) McMillian.
Graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, at the 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 from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.