Everett Albert Hellmuth, Jr.

The Reverend Everett Albert Hellmuth, Jr. –  beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. He entered the gates of Heaven the same way he lived his 92 years of life – surrounded by family who loved him dearly, relentlessly optimistic, and strong in his faith. He was not in pain and passed peacefully to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom he dedicated his life.

Everett was born in Alexandria, VA on February 12, 1929. He had an idyllic childhood growing up on Cedar Street and Glendale Avenue with his loving parents, Everett Albert Hellmuth and Doris Mae Sprucebank Hellmuth, and his dear brother Barton Lee Hellmuth whom he remained close to his entire life. Family was everything to him starting at an early age. His childhood was marked by a large and close-knit family – including Aunt Mary, Grandmother Do Do, Grandpa Dietz, Aunt Helen, Uncle Bus, and others - and joyous celebrations at their respective homes in Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC. Even in his final days of life, Everett’s mind remained sharp and his memory photographic. He could recall very specific details of his childhood and loved passing down cherished stories to his children and grandchildren about his life in the 1930s and 1940s and his family history. He frequently talked about his high regard and affection for his mother and father.

After attending Hampden-Sydney College, Everett bravely served his country in the Korean War. He went to Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA where he began his life of ministry.  Everett dedicated his life to Jesus through his work as a Presbyterian minister. He touched countless hearts and minds at the many congregations he served in West Virginia; Corbin, KY; Danville, VA; Pamplin, VA; and Crewe, VA. He was a man of strong conviction, who lived his life to the highest moral standard but with a humility and kindness that few possess. He was not impressed by material objects or money but remained in awe of God’s miraculous works for his entire life. He authored the book “God and You”, which will be treasured by his family for generations to come. 

He married Harriett Joynes and they had three children together – Everett Albert Hellmuth, III; Diane Elizabeth Hellmuth; and David Joynes Hellmuth. Everett was a devoted and loving father to his children and a constant presence in their lives. He loved his kids and was always proud of their accomplishments, supportive of their activities, and most notably, wanted to be part of the fun. He shared his own interests with them, loved his dog Duke, and enjoyed going in forests to cut down the tree for Christmas. It was always a “country” tree with lots of imperfections. He led by example and instilled in his children the values of family and faith and the importance of finding joy in life’s simple pleasures.

  Everett was adored and revered by his eight grandchildren, who affectionately called him Granddaddy. A child at heart until the very end, Granddaddy will forever be remembered by his grandchildren for his happy and positive spirit, his abundant love for Jesus Christ and his family, his penchant for silly games and activities, his annual beach trips, the epic weeks he hosted all the grandkids for Bible School, his love of all things Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving, his intricate train sets, and his love of country, among many other things. He was married to Frances Reeve, who had a farm that the grandchildren have years of fond memories going to.

In his final hours, Everett said his wish for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was to “love Jesus.” He was prepared for his life in Heaven and wished to see his mother and father. In his autobiography, Everett wrote that he felt so very good when he was in the presence of his parents and wonderful extended family. He is undoubtedly with them now, surrounded by the love of God in Heaven. Everett’s absence from this world is soul crushing to the many who loved him, and he will be terribly missed by his family. Yet they rejoice knowing he is in paradise with Jesus, who welcomed him with loving arms. 

Everett is survived by his brother Barton L. Hellmuth (Shirley) and family; his children Everett Hellmuth, III (Robin), Diane Hellmuth, David Hellmuth (Kristi), grandchildren Cameron Hellmuth (Ali), Whitney Brennan (Eamonn), Zachary Hellmuth (Leslie), Lindsey Hellmuth Peirce (Reid), Meredith Mitchell (Jake Davis), Chesney Floyd (Travis), Ashton Ryan (Evan), Jordan Hellmuth, and great-grandchildren Elizabeth, Cavin, Jack, Ralph, and Kessler, and a loving extended family. 

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of these organizations that Everett supported:

https://presbyteriangifts.pcusa.org/

https://alexandriapres.org/give/

https://alexandriapres.elexiochms.com/external/form/eb55ed87-3f85-48ce-bec4-85339385df5b

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