Keeping the Legacy Alive: A Mother's Unwavering Commitment to Her Son's Beloved Car Club

In the small town of Hartsville, Tennessee, a mother's love and determination are keeping her son's legacy alive. Gayle Hellemn, a devoted Ford Mustang enthusiast, is working tirelessly to preserve the TriStar Fords car club, a community her son Wade had founded. Through this club, Wade had found a sense of belonging and purpose, and now Gayle is determined to ensure that his passion lives on, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

Honoring a Son's Memory, Empowering a Community

A Passion for Cars and Community

Gayle Hellemn's Ford Mustang, affectionately named "Hot Damn," is a testament to her son's handiwork and the love they shared for fast, beautiful cars. Wade Hellemn, a self-proclaimed "king of Hartsville," had a deep appreciation for his community and the people who made it special. He poured his heart into the TriStar Fords car club, creating a space where fellow Ford enthusiasts could come together, take scenic drives, and raise money for children's charities.

Tragedy Strikes, but the Spirit Endures

Tragedy struck in March when Wade and his wife Brandy were involved in a devastating motorcycle accident. While Brandy was hospitalized, Wade tragically lost his life. Gayle's world was shattered, but in the midst of her grief, she found the strength to honor her son's memory and continue his legacy.

Keeping the TriStar Fords Alive

Determined to preserve the community her son had built, Gayle organized a special event for the TriStar Fords car club. On a Saturday, she climbed into her beloved Mustang, surrounded by a crowd of fellow club members, and set out to Hartsville, the town Wade had loved so dearly. The mayor of Hartsville, Jack McCall, presented Gayle with a key to the city, a gesture that spoke volumes about the impact Wade had made on the community.

A Mother's Gratitude and a Community's Support

Gayle's journey to keep her son's memory alive took an emotional turn when she sought out the sheriff who had delivered the devastating news of Wade's passing. With tears in her eyes, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the compassion and care he had shown her in that moment of unimaginable grief. The sheriff's kindness had made all the difference, and Gayle knew that without the support of her community, she might not have been able to find the strength to carry on.

A Legacy of Compassion and Community

As Gayle sat among the members of the TriStar Fords car club at Hartsville Taco, she couldn't help but feel that this was exactly what Wade would have wanted – a community he had created, coming together in the city he loved. Gayle's determination to keep her son's memory alive is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the enduring impact one person can have on a community.