Dennis Michael Helton, 82, of Gallatin, TN, formerly of Murphy, died Sunday, September 12, 2004 at his residence. A native of Cherokee County, he was the son of the late Benjamin Ivan and Etta Althea Hawkins Helton. He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the US Army. He was a retired chemist with Oak Ridge National Laboratories. He was of the Methodist faith.

Surviving are two daughters, Laura Simpson and husband, James of Gallatin and Janet Wright of Knoxville, TN; two sons, Bruce Helton and wife, Carol and Michael Helton all of Knoxville; seven grandchildren, Oliver Wright, Nathan, Aaron, Taylor, Rachel, and Jared Helton, and Adrianne Rhea; and a great grandson, Clay Rhea.

Funeral services were held at 3:00 PM Thursday, September 16 in Mount Pleasant Baptist Church with the Revs. Russell Helton and Steve Ware officiated. Burial was in the church cemetery.

The family received friends from 2-2:45 Thursday afternoon at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Max Ware, 1960 Mount Pleasant Road, Murphy, NC 28906.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.