Bluford Bailey Welch

Bluford Bailey Welch went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on January 14, 2025, at the age of 89 at his home in Pencil Bluff, Arkansas.

Bluford was born in West Carrol Parish, Louisiana on October 31, 1935, to his parents George Dewey Welch and Josie Virginia Glidewell Welch both of Newellton, Louisiana where he grew up. He was the youngest of three children. When Bluford graduated high school, he enlisted in the Navy where he furthered his education in engineering and technology. He served his country from October 1954 until his honorable discharge in December 1960.

Bluford’s interest and love for space, science and technology helped define who he was. He was hard working and dedicated. He began his career as a mechanical engineer working for Crysler Motors, where he designed motor vehicles. But his dream was to be a Rocket Scientist, and he achieved that dream. He moved to Houston Texas and that is where he spent the remainder of his career working for TRW, contracting for the Nasa Space Center. He put his engineering and technology skills to phenomenal use. Bluford played a part in designing many things for the space program. One of which he and other team members designed the Lunar Modular that landed on the moon.

When he retired, he moved to Pencil Bluff Arkansas where he built a beautiful home with his own two hands. From imagining it, designing the blueprints, sawing every board and hammering every nail, he did it all. His children are very proud of the achievements in his life and will find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through the lesson he taught them, the love he shared, and the memories they will cherish forever.

Bluford is preceded in death by his father George Dewey Welch, his mother Josie Virginia Welch, his brother George Dale Welch and his sister Alice Welch Eads. All of which he loved unconditionally.

Bluford is survived by his three children. John Gregory Welch, Ursula Renee Welch Easterling, Wendell Scott Welch, one granddaughter Jessica Renee Eastman. Two nephews, James Walter Eads Jr., Rodger Dale Eads and one niece Laura Jane Welch. As well as many great nieces and nephews and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

Graveside services for Bluford will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Legion Memorial Cemetery in Newellton, Louisiana, with Pastor Jeff Masters officiating under the direction of Crothers Glenwood Funeral Home in Tallulah, Louisiana.

Pallbearers will be John Gregory Welch, Wendell Scott Welch, Michael Easterling, and Robert Clark.

 

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