Bridge dedication honors long-time commissioner, former POW Helton

Randy Helton, grandson of the late County Commissioner and POW John C. "Junior" Helton, unveils the sign naming a bridge after his grandfather. The sign is close to Junior Helton's home in Deason. (T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Order this photo]

It wasn't an odd place to reminisce at all -- the spot was less than a mile from the home which he loved for more than 50 years, as well as the garage he owned and operated for more than 40 years. The place they were gathering was also right next to a brand new, bright green sign naming the bridge after the county commissioner, who died in February 2008.

"I had the opportunity to work with Junior Helton some 20 years, probably close to 30 years," said Bedford County Mayor Eugene Ray. "This is a special occasion and I want to thank you for coming out."

Gathering for the dedication ceremony were, from left, Sheriff Randall Boyce, Capt. Tony Barrett of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department, Donna Helton, John T. Bobo, Ronnie Helton. Commissioner Jimmy Patterson, Mayor Eugene Ray, Randy Helton, Commissioner Bobby Fox, Sen. Jim Tracy, Commissioner Bobby Vannatta, Wess Brown, Road Superintendent Stanley Smotherman, Jennifer Helton Black, and Mignon and Robert Spence. (T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Years of service

Not only did Helton serve as the commissioner for District 2 for many years, he was a World War II veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart. Captured by the Germans after the Battle of the Bulge, Helton was a prisoner of war.

He service to both his country and his county was recognized by many at the dedication ceremony.

"He was very active in the community for many, many years," said State Sen. Jim Tracy, who helped get the bridge named after Helton. He said once the county commission approves the name of a bridge or highway, it has to pass both the House and Senate, and by doing so, it means Helton's achievements are honored even more.

"I learned more from Junior Helton than I learned in law school or CTAS," said John T. Bobo, county attorney. "Junior was always three steps ahead of the rest of us."

'Tremendous help'

Commissioner Bobby Vannatta, who now holds Helton's place on the commission and was the one to suggest naming the bridge after him, also spoke.

"I guess I've known Junior as long as anybody here," he said. "He had the garage. I started going over there when I was in high school... It's very appropriate this sign is nearly in sight of where he lived for 50 years. He fought for his country and he was a tremendous help to his community.

"He helped somebody somewhere all the time."

The county commission approved Vannatta's request on July 7, 2008, about five months after his death from cancer, a disease he had fought in various forms for many years. The joint resolution to name the bridge after him was adopted on June 18 of this year and approved and signed by Gov. Phil Bredesen on June 25.

Helton was married to Louise and they had two daughters, Jennifer and Barbara, and a son, Ronnie. Both Jennifer and Ronnie were there, as was Randy Helton, Junior's grandson, who was given the honor of unveiling the sign.