Ned Davis Welch Jr., 70, passed away after a period of declining health on May 6, 2016 at Tsali Care Center. He was a long time resident of the Big Cove community.
Ned was born Feb. 4, 1946 in Philadelphia, Pa. and grew up in Mechanicsburg, Pa. and Trenton, NJ. He was a bus driver by trade for many years in Trenton, NJ and Cherokee, NC, where he drove for the Qualla Public Transportation (QPT). He retired from Qualla Housing in 2005. He enjoyed family, traveling, and making crafts in his spare time.
Ned is preceded in death by his father, Ned Rudolph Welch Sr.; mother, Ethel Sue Wahneetah Welch; and sister, Ataloah C. Welch Laney. He is survived by son, MSgt David N. Welch and wife Sheryl; daughter, Amy S Welch Wilson and husband Rich; son, Ned D. Welch and wife Stephanie; and sister, Helen Welch Bottchenbaugh. He also leaves behind two grandsons, four granddaughters, two great-grandsons, two great-granddaughters, companion Janice Owle, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
Visitation will begin at 4pm on Wednesday, May 11 with services starting at 5pm at Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City.