Donald Ray Welch

Donald “Salty” Ray Welch, 73, passed away with his family by his side on February 23, 2015. He was born June 26, 1941 to the late John and Edna Welch. Don was a successful business owner in printing and involved with several charities. He was a member of Salem United Methodist Church in Denver, NC and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. Don was a lung cancer survivor, a devoted husband and father who cared about others and had a captivating sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Don is survived by his wife of 35 years, Judy Ann (Nichols) Welch of Stanley, NC; children, Dawn Jankowski (Kevin) of Riverton, UT, Rhomni Williams (Ricky) of Raleigh, NC, Donald J. Welch (Kandy) of Welches, WA; daughter-in-law, Leslie Welch; sisters, Mary Ann Hall (Craig) of Albuquerque, NM, Jeannie Shipman (Larry) of Elkins, WV, Janet Weese of Elkins, WV; 15 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; 2 very supportive nieces, April Zirkle and Sylvia Spencer.

Don was preceded in death by one son, Jay D. Welch.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, February 27, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 4:30-6:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Lake Norman, 705 Griffith Street, Suite 203, Davidson, NC 28036.

Online condolences may be made at: www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com

Carothers Funeral Home, Gastonia is serving the Welch family.