DR. GEORGE C. WELCH Dr. George Clayton Welch age 92 died Saturday, November 26, 2011 at his residence in Columbus. Services were held Sunday, November 27, 2011 at 3:00 PM at First Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Galloway officiating, burial with military honors followed at Friendship Cemetery. Dr. Welch was born on Sunday, November 23, 1919 in Luverne, AL to the late William Benjamin and Elizabeth Pope Welch. He entered Troy State University in 1939 on a sports scholarship. There he played football, baseball and basketball. His time at Troy State was cut short when he was drafted by the US Army to fight in WWII. He fought in the Pacific theater during the war spending most of his service in the Philippines. After the war he attended Emory University School of Dentistry and graduated in 1950 with his D.D.S. In that same year he joined the dental practice of Dr. George Dowdle here in Columbus and practiced dentistry in Columbus for 37 years. He married Betty Ruth Hardin in 1950 and they celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary this past July. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Columbus where he served as a Deacon and taught Sunday School in the Nursery. Dr. Welch most enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends. The time he enjoyed with his 5 grandchildren who knew him as "Poppa" was always treasured. He was a very gentle man who naturally made those around him feel at ease. Known for his out going personality, quick wit and gracious nature he brought smiles to many faces. He also enjoyed playing golf, fishing, watching sports and telling jokes. Survivors include: His wife: Betty Ruth Welch, Columbus MS One Daughter: Claire Welch Stanley (Mike), Corinth, MS One Son: George Clayton "Clay" Welch (Lindley), Tulsa, OK Five Grandchildren: Michael King Stanley, Jr. Ruth Hardin Kerr William Francis Stanley Albert Welch Stanley Charles Hoster Welch The Pallbearers were: Michael King Stanley, Jr., William Francis Stanley, Albert Welch Stanley, Richard Hardin Crowder, Christopher Kerr, and Michael King Stanley, Sr.
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