Robert O Welch

MSgt. Robert O. Welch, USAF Retired, 77 of Raleigh, MS died Wednesday, March 6, 2019 in Raleigh after a long struggle with cancer. Mr. Welch was born in Houston, TX. He was retired as a MSgt. In the United States Air Force in 1982 after 20 years of service. Following retirement Mr. Welch became a military contractor for over 30 years before retiring again. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Mr. Welch was preceded in death by his parents, William Orloff Welch and Robbie Lucille Myers Welch. Survivors include his wife of 55 years Carolyn Bradley Welch of Raleigh; a daughter, Edie Jones and her husband, Chuck of Raleigh; step-daughter, Treva Avelli and her husband Michael of New York; a brother, Billy Welch of Sulphur, LA; five grandchildren, Garret Jones, Scarlett Jones, Miles Avelli, Christian Avelli , and Lauren Avelli; and a great grandson Grant Jones. A graveside service with military honors by the United States Air Force will be Monday, March 11, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. The family would like to thank Sta Home Hospice for the care and compassion they gave to Robert and his family. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com