James Hellams

Dr. James William Hellams, Sr., husband of Nancy Tate Hellams of Pendleton, SC passed away on June 29, 2018 at his home with his family by his side.

"Doc", as he was lovingly called, was born on June 15, 1931 in the Dials Community of Gray Court, SC to Ralph Augustus and Nancy Campbell Hellams.

"Doc" attended Wofford College and graduated from Howard College(now Samford University) and was a 1956 graduate of the Medical University of SC in Charleston. He returned to MUSC in 2006 to march in the graduation ceremony as a Golden Grad. He enlisted as a Captain into the Air Force during his senior year and after his internship he proudly completed his 2 year military obligation.

"Doc" moved to Pendleton, SC in 1960 to practice medicine and to make Pendleton his home. Doc was on his 5th generation of patients. The town of Pendleton proclaimed September 7, 2010 as "Doc Hellams Day" in recognition of his 50 years as a physician in Pendleton. He also worked as the physician for the Anderson County Detention Center. During his 58 years of residence "Doc" was actively involved in the community as a member of Pendleton United Methodist Church, Pendleton Historic Foundation, Lifetime member of Clemson Little Theatre, Delegate to Stornoway Scotland for the towns Twinning Ceremony, Graduate of Leadership Pendleton, member of the Pendleton Merchants Guild and Friends of the Park, Team Sponsor for Pendleton Recreation Association, First Golf Coach at Pendleton High School, Team Doctor for Pendleton High School Sports for several years, and On site Doctor for the North Stands Clemson University's Death Valley. He was also a member of IPTAY for over 50 years.

In addition to his wife, "Doc" is survived by his two wonderful children, Susann Hellams of Pendleton and Will Hellams (Brinkley) of Chevy Chase, Maryland. He loved being Papa Doc to his 3 grandchildren: Tate Griffin of Pendleton, Mary Britton and Campbell Hellams of Chevy Chase, Maryland. He leaves one sister, Martha Hellams Willis (Carroll) of Plant City, Florida and numerous nieces and nephews. Doc" leaves behind a very special bulldog, Bruno, who loved him dearly.

He is predeceased by his parents, his brother, Charles Hellams, his sisters , Barbara Hellams Buchan (Homer) and Frances Hellams Miller (Bill).

The family extends a sincere thank you to all of Doc's many friends and patients and a special thank you to the Hospice of the Upstate.

Funeral services will be held on Monday July 2, 2018 at 3:00 PM at Pendleton United Methodist Church, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church following the burial.

Memorials may be made to: Friends of the Park, P O Box 408, Pendleton, SC 29670 or Pendleton United Methodist Church, P O Box 646, Pendleton, SC 29670 or Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson SC 29621.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central, which is assisting the family.