Billy T. Helmuth died Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, at Promise Hospital of Vicksburg. He was 78.

Born in Shattuck, Okla., he was the son of the late Attlee Jack Helmuth and Grace Ware Helmuth. He served in the Navy and Navy Reserve.

Mr. Helmuth retired as an engineering technician with the U.S. Government–Waterways Experiment Station on Sept. 1, 1989, with 30 years of service. He was an avid golfer and fishing enthusiast with memberships in the Clear Creek Golf Club and Long Lake Hunting and Fishing Club. He attended the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

He is survived by his wife, Janet Helmuth; two daughters, Avis Helmuth Phillips (Jerry) of Vicksburg and Manet Maychak of New Orleans; a son, Craig Helmuth of Tupelo; five grandchildren, Reneé Crimm, Steadman Phillips, Vicky Phillips, Rich Phillips and Taylor Phillips; seven great-grandchildren; and one brother, Bob Helmuth (Vinita) of Clinton, Okla.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012, at the First Christian Church with visitation at the church from 9 a.m. until the hour of the service. Riles Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, P.O. Box 820763, Vicksburg, MS 39182.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Jim Roberts, Fred Ragland, Max Reed, V.O. Martin, Bob O. Benn, David Wood, Dr. Susan Chiarito, Alvin Taylor, Ray Kelly, Larry Cook, Dr. Ed Link, Jimmy Stabler, Homer Greer, Robert Howard and Richard Maychak.