RED BAY, AL – Wallace William “Wally” Hellums, 78, of Red Bay, Alabama, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026, at Southern Magnolia Assisted Living in Golden, MS.
Born and raised in Red Bay, he was the son of the late Wallace Hellums and Kathleen Tiffin Hellums. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Charles Hellums, Norris Turbyfill, Tom Hellums, Faye Stepp and Ernesteen Armstrong.
A proud graduate of Red Bay High School, Wally went on to attend Samford University, where he earned his degree in pharmacy. He returned home to serve his community, owning and operating Hellums Drugs in Red Bay until 1993. He concluded his long, dedicated career serving as both a retail and hospital pharmacist in the surrounding communities.
Wally was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Red Bay, where he found great joy singing in the church choir. Outside of his profession and church, he was an enthusiast of antique cars and spent many years caring for his beloved blue and gold macaw, Peaches.
Wally’s primary legacy is the 35 years of marriage and family life he shared with his late first wife Charlotte, who tragically preceded him in death. Together, they raised five children and celebrated the arrival of ten grandchildren. In his later years, Wally remarried and is survived by his wife, Sandra Hellums.
He is additionally survived by his devoted children: Beth (Gordon), Mac (Lori), Samantha (Kale), Catherine (Blake), and Patrick; and his cherished grandchildren: Will, Jeb, Grace, Molly, Scarlett, Beau, Reese, James, Walker, and Claire.
A service celebrating his life and career will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, July 26 at First Baptist Church, Red Bay with Bro. Bill Harper officiating. Visitation will be 1:30-3 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Burial will be in Red Bay City Cemetery. Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL will be in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers will be Gordan Blair, Kale Moody, Blake Brown, Jeb Blair, Beau Blair and Will Moody.
The family asks in lieu flowers, if you would like to honor Wally or his family in a special way, please help support local students by sending donations to The Charlotte Hellums Memorial Scholarship Fund at UNA Foundation, UNA Box 5113, Florence, AL 35632
