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."Pittsburg Press - August 10, 1939
A resident and legal domicile of New Orleans, Louisiana,United States Tax Court record from Loislaw.com, Inc. 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.Sanmarcousawordpress.com Eternal homes: In New Orleans' historic cemeteries His mausoleum was built by American architect and sculptor, Albert Weiblen.Tulane University - Southeastern Architectural Archive Collection 39
In 1991, William Helis was posthumously inducted into the Fair Grounds Racing Hall of Fame.
William George Jr. became managing partner of his father's various oil properties and was also heavily involved in Thoroughbred horse racing.
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