Obituary: BARTON HELLMUTH

Bart enjoyed doing things with his family‒‒ trips to the beach, picnics and hikes in the mountains, vacations, birthday parties, recitals, and any other reason to get together to laugh, talk, and share. He also enjoyed connecting with his many friends in church and the community.

As a Christian, Bart was interested in what was happening in the spiritual and inner self. He enjoyed contemplative prayer. He loved nature: clouds and stars, waterfalls and the sound of rain on the roof, ducks and dragonflies. In his early years, he was an avid gardener. Other interests included hiking, swimming, boating, dining out, exploring, and going to new places. He had a great, if unusual, sense of humor. He was very creative. He enjoyed writing limericks, sermons, and letters. Bart embraced growing, learning, and constantly changing. He especially loved being cozy and in love.

Two of Bart’s favorite Bible verses were John 15:5: “Without Me (Jesus) you can do nothing,” and Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” His two most frequent prayers were, “Thank You, Lord, thank You.” and “Help, Lord, help!” He prayed daily for family, friends, and those in need.

Bart was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Doris Hellmuth and his brother, Everett. Survivors include Shirley, his wife of 68 years; daughter Carol (Win) of Sherrills Ford, NC; sons John (Elizabeth) of Lexington and Andrew of Buena Vista; daughter Betsy of Burlington, NC; grandson Christopher (Heather) of Rock Hill, SC; granddaughter Katie (Daniel) of Chicago, Ill., grandson Levi of Burlington, NC; and great-grandchildren Caspian, Cade and Haley of Rock Hill, SC

Bart ran track and field at the College of William and Mary. He graduated with a degree in philosophy. He then went to Union Theological Seminary where he sang in the choir. He graduated with a Master of Divinity. He later earned a Master of Home Economics in Child and Family from UNCG.

Bart pastored six churches: Ashburn Presbyterian and Aldi in Virginia, John Knox Presbyterian in Shelby, NC, Trinity Presbyterian in Winston-Salem, NC, and Oxford Presbyterian and Rapps Church in Lexington. He also preached aboard a cruise ship, at a church in Norway, and at Presbyterian meetings. He performed weddings in churches and homes, as well as at Natural Bridge, on Eli Fishpaw’s Field, above Hostetter’s Store, at Lime Kiln, beside a creek, at Zollman’s Pavillion, in Edna Curtain’s Rock Garden, on the Virginia Dare boat, on Smith Mountain Lake, at Lee Chapel, at Southern Virginia College, at Virginia Military Institute, and on the field at Palmer Community Center. His last marriage was to his grandson, Christopher, in Fairview Estates for his granddaughter Katie. After his retirement he preached in Presbyterian, Baptist, Brethren, Methodist, Pentecostal, Seventh-day Adventist, and Foursquare churches.

One of Bart’s goals in life was to bring the races together. In the 1960s, he did this by organizing discussion groups between the black and white churches. Most recently, in 2008, he was instrumental in bringing together the First Baptist Church of Buena Vista (a black congregation) and the Buena Vista Presbyterian Church (a white congregation) for joint services twice a year. This continued until COVID-19.

Bart claimed to have had a very blessed life. In his recent publication of his life story, he said, “I don’t think there is anyone who has ever had as good a life as I have. All my life I have been held by the ‘eternal arms’ and that will never end.”

He was loved and cherished by family and friends, there are not enough good things that can be said about him.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, July 13, at Buena Vista Presbyterian Church by Reverend Howard Boswell.

Arrangements were made by Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory. NG