Rod Warren Helder

RALEIGH – Rodney Warren Helder, 83, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in York County, Pennsylvania, on May 29, 1941, and was the son of the late Warren W. Helder, and the late Beatrice Helder.

Rod was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be remembered fondly by his family and friends as a man of great faith, charisma, compassion, patience and strength. A lifelong educator, he began his professional career as the Principal of Goldsboro Christian School in Goldsboro, NC. He would later serve as the Head of School at Alamance Christian School in Graham, NC until 1984. During this period, Rod also served as the Commissioner of the North Carolina Christian Activities Association (now the NC Christian School Association). In 1985, North Carolina Governor James G. Martin appointed Rod as the Director of Non-Public Education for the State of North Carolina. He faithfully served the State of North Carolina in that role until his retirement in 2010. Rod received the State of North Carolina Order of The Long Leaf Pine Award from NC Governor Beverly Eaves Perdue in 2010.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ella Wayne Helder; sons, Wayne Helder (Tina Helder), Stephen Helder (Cheri Helder), and Daniel Helder; sister Donna Spisak (Larry Spisak); grandchildren, Katherine Robertson (Jeremy Robertson), Noelle Helder (Evan Wilson), Ryan Helder (Amanda Helder), and Elizabeth Helder; and by his soon to be born great grandchild expected to arrive in April.

Rod placed his faith in Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour at an early age. He has been an active member at Catawba Springs Christian Church at Apex since 1985. Rod served as a Deacon at Catawba Springs from 1993-2011.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 2:00 PM, at Catawba Springs Christian Church, 6801 Ten-Ten Rd, Apex, NC 27539. A committal service will follow the service at Catawba Springs Christian Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a period of visitation on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529.

Flowers are welcome and may be sent to Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Rod’s memory to Catawba Springs Christian Church: https://www.catawba.org/