Rayford Leon Welch, 80 years, 5 months, 28 days old, passed away on January 5, 2024 at Gainesville Healthcare Center in Gainesville, Missouri.
Rayford was born July 8, 1943 in Ozark County, Missouri to J.E. and Eulah (Sallee) Welch. He was raised mostly in the Longrun community.
Rayford was a veteran and served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war. He was trained as a sharp shooter, and then he was a trainer.
On May 27, 1963, Rayford and Linda Parsons were united in marriage in Harrsionville, Missouri.
Rayford was retired from working in maintenance at Emerson Electric in Ava, Missouri. He worked there for several years.
He was a Christian and raised in the Baptist faith. He enjoyed hunting, and he loved visiting with people. His joy was being with Linda, and they enjoyed their time in the Ozarks.
Rayford was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Linda; and his brother, Larry Welch.
He is survived by his family, Freeda and Boyd Garrison and Darrin Clayton; nieces; nephews; other extended family and many friends.
Funeral services for Rayford will be Monday, January 8, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel in Ava, Misouri with burial following in the Hicks Cemetery, Theodosia, Missouri with full military honors by the Troy Herd American Legion #112 and U.S. Army detail. Visitation will be prior to the service at 9:30 A.M. on Monday. Officiating will be Pastor Oren Alcorn. Memorials may be made to the Hicks Cemetery.
