Ray La Morn Welch

Ray LaMorn Welch, age 100, of Franklin, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2024- asking his Lord and Savior to take him home, and telling his friends and family that he loved them all.
He was born November 22, 1924 in Burningtown to the late Edward Alonzo Welch and Myrtle Brendell Welch. Ray served in the Pacific Islands during World War II with the United States Navy. Ray was the last surviving WWII veteran in Macon County.
Never missing a day of work, Ray worked for General Motors (Pontiac Motors) in Michigan for 35 years. Having been retired as long as he worked, Ray spent more than 30 years keeping up the home place with beautiful flowers and an overflowing garden.
While living in Michigan, he loved to take his family out in the boat or fishing. He also enjoyed visiting several national parks with his son. Ray and Wilma loved to travel- which included all 50 states, Mexico, and Canada.
Ray was a member of Burningtown Baptist Church.
He wanted to thank Dale and Tava Welch, Chris Welch, and Irene Huggins for being such good neighbors over the years. And to Smoky Mountain Home Healthcare in Newport, Tennessee for their great care.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Wilma Ruth Pinner Welch; sisters, Gladys Harry, Louise Parker, and Jessie Lee Southards; and brother, Joseph DuBoice Welch.
He is survived by his sister, Carol S. Angel of Franklin; son, James "Jim" DuBoice Welch of Franklin; daughter, Fonda S. Strange and son in law, Gary Strange of Del Rio, Tennessee; grandson, Matthew Mark Bradley and wife Kristen; five great grandchildren, Hailey Ray, Layla, Peter, Emma, and Paul; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will take place at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, December 26, 2024 in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Burningtown Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to Burningtown Baptist Church.
Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.
Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.