Ralph Welch Sr.

Ralph Welch Sr., age 85, of Crossville, Tennessee, passed away on August 9, 2025, in Knoxville.

Mr. Welch was born on February 20, 1940, in Campbell County, Tennessee, the 8th of 14 children, son of the late Thomas Linley Welch and Bernice Noreen (Wyles) Welch.

CW2 Ralph Welch spent 23 years in the service of his country, 6 years in the United States Navy, 17 years in the United States Army, including 2 years in Vietnam. When he retired, he worked as a Marine Engineering Officer. His Service Commendation Medals included National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (4th award), and Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster.

He is survived by his wife, Leda May (Norrod) Welch; Sons, Ralph Welch Jr. and Michael Loren Welch; grandsons, Duncan Ewdell Welch and Aidan Linley Welch; sisters, Darlean (Welch) Mullinax, Norma Jean (Welch) Turner, and Bertha (Welch) Harrison; brothers, Conrad Welch, Reval George Welch, William Rayburn Welch, Larry Van Welch; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by brothers, Thomas Linley, Henry Martin, Albert (twin), and Donald Thomas; sisters, Dorothy (Welch) Love and Vera Coleen (Welch) Mullinax.

Funeral Service will be held at Bilbrey Funeral Home on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM followed by burial in Smiths Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the funeral service.

Arrangements and Care provided by Bilbrey Funeral Home and Cremation Service.