WELCH, JAMES R.

James Ray Welch, age 75, of Danville, AR died Thursday, March 12, 1998 at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, AR. He was born February 17, 1923 at Havana, AR, son of the late R. L. and Orpha Ray Welch. He was retired from Continental Grain; he was a Marine Corps Veteran of World War II, having served in four major [campaigns] with the 2nd and 3rd Raider Battalions. He was a corporate pilot, past president of the Arkansas Egg Council and a member of the Rotary International.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Wright Welch; four sons and daughters-in-law, James Ray and Carlene Welch of Rogers, Jeffery Paul and Jody Welch of Helena, MT, John and Diane Welch of Hot Springs, AR and Justin and Belinda Welch of Sheridan, AR; one sister, Christene Dearrington of Tulsa, OK; nine granddaughters; two grandsons and one great-granddaughter.

Funeral service was March 14, 1998 at the Danville United Methodist Church with Rev. Wade Shownes officiating. Burial was in the Havana Cemetery by Cornwell Funeral Home of Danville, AR. His sons and nephews served as pallbearers.