James Robert "Jimmy" Welch Sr., 81, of El Dorado, AR passed away July 1, 2015 at the John R. Williamson Hospice House in El Dorado, AR.
Jimmy, as all his friends and family knew him by, was born March 12, 1934 in Shreveport, LA. to Robert Walker Welch and Georgia Taylor Welch of Bernice, LA.
He retired from Lion Oil Refinery after 40 years of service as a heavy equipment operator. Served 2 yrs. in the U.S. Army in France. Worked 8 years for Coca Cola running the uptown route. He was a member of the College Avenue Church of Christ, where he served 7 years as a Deacon and 23 years as an Elder. He loved working in the garden and spending time with "Princess", his beloved rescue Dachshund and to listen to all the wonderful happenings of nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Maye Williams and Bertha McClung.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Trudie Dowdell Welch of El Dorado, two sons, Jim Welch (Ginger) of El Dorado, Bob Welch (Monica) of The Woodlands, TX two grandsons, Robert Welch and Joshua Welch, two granddaughters, Mary Welch and Caroline Welch, Three brothers, John G. Welch (Carolyn) of Crossett, AR and George R. Welch (Barbara) of Farmerville, LA and Tommy Allen Welch (Dixie) of Bernice, LA. One sister, Faye Ulmer of Shreveport, LA. One uncle, Thomas Akin of Crossett, AR and one aunt, Edna Whitson of Shreveport, LA, a long standing family member Todd Tiller of Bernice, LA and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held for one hour prior to services on Monday July 6, 2015 at College Avenue Church of Christ. Services to begin at 2pm with Brother Kent Jobe officiating. Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens following service, Under direction of Perrys Funeral Chapels.
Pallbearers will be Josuah Welch, Robert Welch, Allen White, Bret Garrett, David Hogg, Mike Meadows.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to College Avenue Church of Christ, John R. Williamson Hospice House or The Children's Home, Inc. 5515 Old Walcott Road, Paragould, AR. 72450