Richard "Rick" Emory Hellyer

Mr. Richard “Rick” Emory Hellyer, age 70 of Plantation Drive, Sandersville, passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at his residence following an extended illness. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at First Christian Church of Sandersville, with burial to follow in Brownwood Cemetery. Reverend Jimmy Godfrey will officiate. Pallbearers will be Jim Tinley, Sandy Veal, Nathan Riner, Michael Taylor, Allen Hodges, and Ashley Brown. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of the service.

Mr. Hellyer was born on June 16, 1953, at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, the son of the late Mons William Hellyer Jr. and the late Ruby Elizabeth Freeland Herdegen. Rick graduated from Briarcliff High School in Dekalb in 1971 and obtained both his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education from the University of Georgia in 1975 and 1976, respectively. He also received his Education Specialist degree from Georgia Southern University in 1980. Rick began his career in education teaching social studies in Johnson County in 1976; from there he worked with the Regional Assessment Center, the Hancock County Board of Education and concluded his teaching career in May of 2006, as assistant principal at T.J. Elder Middle School in Sandersville. Rick was an avid golfer and hunter. He was a simple man with a very kind heart and gentle spirit. Rick was a good friend to all who knew him. Above all else he loved his family. Rick was an active member of First Christian Church of Sandersville.

Mr. Hellyer is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Linda; son, Jonathan Allen Hellyer and his wife Amanda of Grovetown; granddaughter, Meagan Shrock; sisters, Donna Lee of Sandersville, and Jean Tyson of Lavonia; and brother Keith Hellyer of Louisville, KY.

Condolences may be made online at www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.