Benson Perry Welsh

Chesterfield, SC

Mr. Benson Perry Welsh, age 89, entered into rest on Tuesday, August 21, 2018. Funeral Services will be 3:00 PM Friday, August 24, 2018 from the Chapel of Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home by Rev. Jerry McManus and Phillip Caulder, Jr. with burial to follow in the Thompson Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 2:00 – 3:00 PM Friday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mr. Welsh was born December 17, 1928 in Chesterfield, SC a son of the late Ben Heath and Bessie Rayfield Welsh. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January of 1947.  He held the distinct honor of being the youngest member of the Navy to attain the ranking of First Class Yeoman. Mr. Welsh was the recipient of the World War II Victory Medal. In his childhood days, Benson was a member of Thompson Creek Baptist Church, and later joined Hopewell Baptist Church. He retired in 1981 after a 28 year career as an executive officer with the Winn Dixie Corporate Office in Jacksonville, FL. Following his retirement, Mr. Welsh returned home to Chesterfield and enjoyed his retirement years gardening and cattle farming. He will be remembered as a kind hearted southern gentleman who never met a stranger.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Welsh was also preceded in death by his brothers, Wilbert, Lawson, Jack, and Charles Welsh; sisters, Hester Moore, Janelle Graham, Arie Lisenby, and Mildred Sellers.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 70 years, Margaret Welsh of the home; 2 sons, Bob (Sandy) Welsh of Lake Wales, FL, and Alan (Joyce) Welsh of Lake City, FL; 4 daughters, Ann Wright of Orangeburg, SC, Patsy (Buster) Moffett of Phenix City, AL, Sandee (Gary) Bonnie of Wildwood, FL, and Jackie (Chris) Gaskins of Ruby, SC; grandchildren, Russell Welsh, Meghan (Matt) Balliett, Jimmy (Rachel) Wright, Shaun (Lynn) Moffett, Daniel Moffett, Nathan Welsh, Grant & Genna Gaskins; also 4 great grandchildren; sister, Betty W. (Billy) Redfearn of Cheraw, SC; also numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to a Charity of one’s choice.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Welsh family.