Charles Grant Helms, 45, of Panama City passed into eternal life on Saturday, June 29, 2013 following a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.

Grant was born on March 29, 1968 in Panama City, Florida to Leah Ruth Grant Helms and Charles Jones Helms. He was a student of Bay County, graduating from A. Crawford Mosley High School in 1986. Grant continued his education and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from the University of West Florida in 1991. He spent several years teaching English prior to attending graduate school. Grant received a Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences in 1998 from the University of South Alabama.

Grant followed the family tradition and devoted his life to educating Bay County's children. His mother, Leah Helms taught for 48 years and his father, Charles Helms, was a principal. Grant was well respected among administrators and educators of Bay District Schools where he spent the past 21 years. Grant's passion was his students at Oakland Terrace School for the Visual and Performing Arts, where he was the Speech Language Pathologist for 13 years. The children loved "Mr. Helms" and looked forward to their time gathered around his table. A favorite for students and staff alike was his annual reading at Scary Story Night where Grant was always in character. He touched many lives and his memory will not only be cherished by family, friends and co-workers, but also by countless students and their parents.

As a young man, Grant was very dramatic and enjoyed performing. In elementary school he was very inquisitive, especially concerning different religions. Music was also a huge part of Grant's life and brought him great joy. He was an accomplished pianist, playing for First Presbyterian Church for several years. He also taught Sunday School, was a member of the church choir and was honored to serve as an Elder. Grant relished keeping the weekly hymn selection in check. Most recently, Grant attended Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Bay County. He was a dignified speaker which made him the first choice to emcee the school spelling bee and ceremonies. An avid reader, Grant could always be found with a book, or two, in his hands.

He is survived by loving life partner, James S. Ward, his cherished dachshund Oscar and birds of Panama City; Uncle Joseph T. Grant (Quinoma) of Geneva, AL; Cousin Jolie Grant Starling (Jay) of Birmingham, AL and their daughter, Gigi Starling. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leah Ruth Grant Helms and Charles Jones Helms.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Panama City. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant Hospice, 107 W 19th Street, Panama City, FL 32405 in gratitude for their kindness and care.