Robert Edward Hellwig

Robert Edward Hellwig, 90, of Tifton, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at Rehabilitation Center of South Georgia.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 A.M. Monday, November 20, in Peace Lutheran Church with Rev. Doug Hudson and Rev. Earl Steffens officiating.  The family will receive friends on Sunday 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. at Albritton Funeral Directors.  Entombment will follow the service at Tift Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

Pallbearers will be Perry McKain, Dwaine Sanders, Eric Pilkenton, Keith Fuller, Jay Williams, Jason Hoffman, Ron Townsend, Charles Boren, David Willoughby.  Honorary pallbearers will be the staff of Rehabilitation of South Georgia and Hospice of Tift Area.

Mr. Hellwig was born February 16, 1927 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Rolland Hellwig and Norma Koebel Hellwig. He was a retired Agricultural Engineer for the U. S. D. A. Agricultural Research Service, Tifton and was a veteran of the United States Army.  He graduated from Ohio State University in March, 1951 with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering.

Mr. Hellwig was a loving husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa, and uncle.  He was also a mentor to many students, friends, and strangers-turned-friends over his long lifetime.   He always had a smile on his face and arms open to all.  He laughed quickly and often.  He loved the Lord with all his heart and led by example in his faith.

He was active in ASAE (American Society of Agricultural Engineers) since college and served as southeastern president.  Upon retirement he was a member and officer of NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees.)  He was a member and officer in Toastmasters for many years.  He and his wife served together as high school choral parents, PTA officers, and Meals on Wheels.

Until he was drafted into the Army, he was a member of The Ohio State Marching Band, an experience he treasured.

He and his wife Arlene were one of the five founding families of Peace Lutheran Church, Tifton in 1962 and he worked tirelessly in every aspect of the church from council member to Sunday School teacher to caring for the church property.

He grew up on a farm and his love for farming and agriculture led him to his 32-year career as an agricultural engineer with USDA Agricultural Research Service which began with the Everglades Research & Education Center in Belle Glade, FL and then the Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-eight years, Arlene Willoughby Hellwig of Tifton, two daughters and sons-in-law Donna Hellwig Rocker of Macon, Denise and Perry McKain of Greenville, S. C., two granddaughters Stephanie and Eric Pilkenton and Lisa and Keith Fuller and four great grandchildren, one brother Tom Hellwig, Columbus, Ohio, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law Virginia and Roger Boren.

In lieu of flowers you may make donations to Peace Lutheran Church, 604 Tennessee Dr., Tifton, Georgia 31794, or Hospice of Tift Area, P.O Box 747, Tifton, Georgia 31794

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.