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 at 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]
William George Jr. became managing partner of his father's various oil properties and was also heavily involved in Thoroughbred horse racing.[6]
References
- ^ Pittsburg Press - August 10, 1939
- ^ United States Tax Court record from Loislaw.com, Inc.
- ^ Sanmarcousawordpress.com Eternal homes: In New Orleans' historic cemeteries
- ^ Tulane University - Southeastern Architectural Archive Collection 39
- ^ Fair Grounds Hall of Fame
- ^ https://drf.uky.edu/catalog/1950s/drf1954060301/drf1954060301_6_4