William G. Helis Sr.
William George Helis Sr. | |
---|---|
Born | |
Died | July 25, 1950 Baltimore, Maryland, United States | (aged 63)
Resting place | Metairie Cemetery |
Occupation | Oilman, Racehorse owner/breeder, Racetrack owner |
Known for | Helis Stock Farm |
Spouse(s) | Bessie Felch |
Children | 4 |
Awards | Fair Grounds Racing Hall of Fame (1991) |
William George Helis Sr. (October 17, 1886 – July 25, 1950) was an impoverished Greek emigrant to the United States who made a fortune in the oil business and who became a major owner/breeder of Thoroughbred racehorses and racetrack owner. In his obituary, the Pittsburg Press called William Helis "one of the amazing figures of the American oilfields."[1]
A resident and legal domicile of New Orleans, Louisiana,[2] William Helis died in Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. His remains were brought home to New Orleans where he was interred in the Metairie Cemetery.[3] His mausoleum was built by American architect and sculptor, Albert Weiblen.[4]
In 1991, William Helis was posthumously inducted into the Fair Grounds Racing Hall of Fame.[5]
became managing partner of his father's various oil properties and was also heavily involved in Thoroughbred horse racing.[citation needed]
References[]
- 1886 births
- 1950 deaths
- American businesspeople in the oil industry
- American racehorse owners and breeders
- American horse racing industry executives
- Greek emigrants to the United States
- Businesspeople from New Orleans
- 20th-century American businesspeople
- American horse racing biography stubs