Howard Wayne Welch

The journey has been long and steep but Howard has now reached his Master's feet after a courageous 12 month battle. On Monday, June 7, 2010, Howard Wayne Welch, 71, of Hillsborough, N.C., passed from this life to his eternal life with his loving family by his side. Mr. Welch was born in Covington, Va., the son of the late Emma Tyree Welch and the late Norval Alexander Welch. He was preceded in death by a sister, Neola Jean Howe. Mr. Welch was a graduate of Ferrum College in Ferrum, Va., and Erskine College, Due West, S.C., with a BS in Business Administration. During his career he was employed at Cone Mills, Dan River Mills, Burlington Industries, ADM Corporation, and Durham City Water Treatment Facility, where he retired. Mr. Welch was recognized as Outstanding Layperson in 2009 by Palmer's Grove United Methodist Church. He was a past member of the Exchange Club, where he served as president. Mr. Welch was a member of Men's Breakfast Club. Mr. Welch is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elouise Seay Welch; daughters, Pam Welch, of Timberlake, and Tammy Welch Ray and husband, Randy, of Durham; grandson, Derrick Welch and wife, Stephanie, of Hillsborough; sister, Karen Welch Rider and husband, Dennis, of Salem, Va.; brotherin-law, Bertrand Seay and wife, Nancy, of Covington, Va.; nephews, Kevin Rider and wife, Shawna, Sean Rider and wife, Jessica, and Darren Seay and wife, Pam; niece, Amy Rider Renick; and numerous other nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2010, at Clements Funeral Chapel in Hillsborough with the Rev. Scott Finicum officiating. The family will receive friends at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Palmer's Grove United Methodist Church, 1211 Palmer's Grove Church Road, Hillsborough, N.C. 27278 or to Union Grove Baptist Church, 1709 Baptist Road, Durham, N.C. 27703. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Jennifer Garst, Dr. Bridget Koontz and his hospice nurse, Amy Kramer. Clements Funeral Service, Inc. in Hillsborough, N.C., is assisting the family.