Eric Tobias "Toby" Helms passed away unexpectedly, Friday February 23, 2024, at his home in Lexington, NC. Eric was born on November 16, 1969 in Monroe, NC. He graduated from Parkwood High School in Monroe, NC and UNC Charlotte with a bachelor's degree in psychology. While at UNCC he accepted an opportunity to work as a technician in a sleep center, and worked to receive his Registered Polysomnographic Technologist certification. After finding his passion in respiratory disorders, he accepted a travel job with a medical equipment company. During his career he helped countless patients with sleep disorders, served as a clinical trainer, field service engineer, and owned and operated several successful businesses.

Eric enjoyed traveling, spending time on his tractor, relaxing at his lakeside residence at High Rock Lake, and enjoying the best of life with his family and friends. Eric was always there for everyone; willing to lend a helping hand, a needed hug or an uplifting smile. He always had advice when you needed it and would support those he loved in whatever way he could. Eric successfully tackled most any task and challenge that came before him, be it home, office or on the job.

Eric is preceded in death by his father Dennis Helms, brother Thomas Nesbit Jr., maternal grandparents Edna and Crowell Cook, paternal grandparents Faye and Howard Helms and special uncle, Archie Cook.

Left behind to cherish memories of Eric are his partner, Amanda Richter, daughter Christina Helms, son, Matthew Helms, mother and step-father, Iris and Tommy Nesbit, step-mother Dianne Helms, and sister Lisa McWaters.

A Celebration of Life to honor his memory will be held at New Hope Methodist Church, 3221 Plyler Mill Road, Monroe, NC. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM followed by the service at 3:00 PM, Sunday, March 10, 2024.

A memorial gift may be made in his honor to Special Olympics of North Carolina (2200 Gateway Centre Blvd., Ste. 201. Morrisville, NC 27560), American Children's Home (3844 NC-8, Lexington, NC 27292), or a charity of your choice.