Jack Welch

Jack Tatum Welch, 89, of 400 Webber Road, died Friday, April 23, 2010, at Spartanburg Hospital for Restorative Care. Born December 21, 1920, in Greenville, SC, he was the son of the late Lee H. and Bess Tatum Welch and the husband of 68 years to Elizabeth "Boo" Norris Welch. Jack attended Furman University prior to entering Naval flight training in November 1941. During World War II, he served as a Naval Aviator on the USS Saratoga in the Pacific Theatre and was active in the Naval Reserves following the war, retiring with the rank of Commander. After the war he returned to Greenville, and after several years, transferred to Spartanburg where he raised his family. He served as General Manager of PYA Distributing, Sales Manager for Acme Distributing, and ended his working career as a consultant to the Spartanburg County Council. Jack was a charter member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, serving as Deacon, Elder, and church treasurer. Active in civic affairs, he served at various times as: President of the Spartanburg Sertoma Club and 3-term District Governor of Sertoma International; charter member and President of the Retired Officers Association; charter member and President of the Sales and Marketing Executive Club; member of the Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Marketing Committee; member of the Board of Visitors of the Presbyterian Home in Clinton; member of the Board of Advisors of the Mental Health Association of the Upper Piedmont; member of Spartanburg Urban Rehabilitation Board; Chair of the County Parks and Recreation Board. Jack received a certificate for Outstanding Contributions to the City of Spartanburg in 1969. In addition to his wife of 68 years, Jack is survived by his daughter, Judy Welch Herring and husband Don; son, Kim Welch and wife Sheila; daughter, Rebecca Welch Shields and husband Larry; six grandchildren, Allison Tannery (Blake), Carrie Welch, Scott Herring (Kristi), Heather Barton (Shawn), Camden Shields, and Hayden Shields; and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss him. He was predeceased by a sister, Betty Welch Wagner. A Celebration of his wonderful life will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday, April 26, 2010, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 309 Fernwood Drive, Spartanburg, conducted by the Rev. Joe Brooks. Visitation will follow the service at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mobile Meals Service, P. O. Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304; or to Total Ministries, P. O. Box 2461, Spartanburg, SC 29304. The family is at the home, 400 Webber Road, Apartment G1-3, Spartanburg, SC 29307. The J. F. Floyd Mortuary To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jack Tatum Welch please visit our Sympathy Store.