Murray "Dale" Welch, 67, of Lee, Fl. passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017 after an extended illness. Dale was born on Nov. 11, 1949 in Madison to Floyd Welch and Kathleen Payne Welch.
Dale attended Lee School where he enjoyed playing basketball and graduated from Madison High School. Dale honorably served his country in the United States Army in the Vietnam War. He was assigned to Company A, 75th Support Battalion, 1st Brigade, and 5th Infantry Division. He participated in the following campaigns: Vietnamese Counteroffensive Phase IV Campaign, Tet69/Counteroffensive Campaign, Vietnam Fall 1969 Campaign and the Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970 Campaign. He was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation. While serving in Vietnam from Feb. 4, 1969 to April 30, 1970 as an Armor Reconnaissance Specialist, Dale earned four Bronze Stars as well as other numerous commendations. Dale was very proud of his service to his country. He was a member of the Baptist faith and was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. Dale worked as a heavy equipment operator for Potash Corporation at the Occidental Chemicals facility with 35 years of service before retiring. But most importantly, Dale loved his family unconditionally.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd Welch and Kathleen Payne Welch.
Dale is survived by one daughter, Shannon Welch Miller (Roy); one son, Adam Welch (Ashley); one brother, Alfred Welch (Libby); and two sisters, Alvera Rhodes and Wanda Hodnett (Joe). Dale also left behind grandchildren: Roy Miller Jr. (Jessie), Brittany Lee Hudson, Felicia Chaney (Mark), Amanda Miller, Ashley Welch, Brandon McCool of Lee, Fl., Skylar and Mira Welch of Live Oak, Fl., Allison, Ana and Auston Welch of Lee, Fl. and two great-grandsons.
A memorial service was held on Monday, Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church.
Love offerings can be made to Macedonia Baptist Church, PO Box 1033, Madison, Fl. 32341, Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, Fl. 32308 or the charity of choice.
Friends may sign the online guest book at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com.