James "Yank" Clark Welch

Mr. James Clark Welch, better known as "Yank", resident of Country Club Road, Elberton, husband of 65 years to Dorothy Ruff Welch, finished his course in faith on Sunday, June 5, 2016, while under the care of Gentiva Hospice at Athens Regional Medical Center. He was 89.

A native of Elberton, Mr. Welch was born on March 4, 1927, to the late James Paten Welch and Elmyra Rebecca "Myreba" Bullard Welch. "Yank" was a graduate of Elbert County High School and served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Elberton and attended Falling Creek Baptist Church. A well respected business man in Elberton, Mr. Welch retired as owner/operator of Welch & Worley Granite Company. He was a member of Elberton Granite Association where he served as President and several terms on the board. "Yank" was an avid golfer as long as his health permitted and enjoyed spending time with his family.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Dot; children: Janet Welch Atkinson and Kenneth of Snellville, James Allen "Jim" Welch and Michele of Elberton, and Myra Welch Willis and Larry of Lawrenceville; grandchildren: Tara Dobbs and Marshall Willis; great-grandchildren: Audrianna Atkinson and Kimberly Watkins; sister, Lee Jones of Winterville; brothers-in-law: Bo Ruff and Jerry Ruff, both of Elberton; sister-in-law, Betty Melton of Winterville; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Fortson.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 6, at 4 o'clock from the graveside in Forest Hills Memorial Park with the Rev. Dwight Morgan officiating.

The family will be at the residence of Jim and Michele Welch, Golf Course Road, Elberton, and will receive friends at Berry Funeral Home from 2:00-3:30p.m. prior to the service on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to First Baptist Church of Elberton, 132 Heard Street, Elberton, GA 30635 or to Falling Creek Baptist Church, 1020 Jack McVeigh Drive, Elberton, GA 30635.

Those desiring may sign the online guest register at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. James Clark "Yank" Welch.