Harry Clinton Welch Jr.

Harry was born in Orange, New Jersey on June 20, 1933 but eventually moved to North Carolina. After attending North Carolina State and earning his degree in engineering, Harry married love of his life, Sara, in 1955 and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He moved to Huntsville in the mid-'50s and the couple had their first child, Chris, at Fort McLellan in Anniston. Three years later, Bill was born and the couple resided Huntsville for over 54 years. Harry worked at the U.S. Missile Command on Redstone Arsenal with the Army on the Sam-D and Patriot Missile Project, which was a successful weapon in the first Gulf War.

He and Sara attended St. Thomas Episcopal Church for many years and after that the Church of Nativity. At the Church of Nativity, Harry served as Warden, Hospital Visitor, Intercessor at worship and on the Outreach and Development committee. He also was involved as a volunteer with the Salvation Army and Habit for Humanity and was a longtime member of the Huntsville Kiwanis Club. He was a great father, husband, volunteer and provider. Last August he and Sara celebrated 60 years of marriage in a ceremony at the Church of the Nativity.

Harry is survived by his wife, Sara; sons Chris Welch and Bill Welch; and granddaughters Abbie Grace, Mollie and Maggie Welch.

The Reverend Dr. Andy Anderson and The Reverend W.R. "Rusty" McCown will be officiating the service Friday at 1 p.m. at the Church of Nativity downtown. The visitation is Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Valhalla at 698 Winchester Road.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Church of Nativity, the Salvation Army, or Habitat for Humanity