John Andrew Welford

John Andrew Welford was born in Biloxi, MS on October 23, 1955. The son of Auburn Andrew Welford, Sr. and Mary Flossie Weeks Welford, he graduated high school and enlisted in the Army National Guard. He married the love of his life, Joan Dianne Waites on December 27, 1975. They were married 40 years and resided in Lucedale, MS. They had two daughters, Johnnie Diane and Katherine Marie. 
 

John made a living as a third generation Master brick mason. His work remains today in various parts of the county and on the coast. He and his father built the Veterans Memorial in Lucedale, MS, as well as the prison in Greene County, MS. 
 

After construction of the facility, he became one of the first group of Correctional Officers from the academy to work at the South MS Correctional Institute. He was employed there until he retired in 2016. John was a loving son, husband, devoted father, and grandfather. He served his community as a member of the Ward Volunteer Fire Dept. for numerous years, as well as a member of Family Life Fellowship Church. John went home to be with our Lord on May 5, 2022. 
 

John is survived by two daughters:  Johnnie (Michael) Miles of Lucedale, MS and Katherine (Jacob) Yates of Mobile, AL; three grandchildren:  Frances (Josh) Hamby of Pelahatchie, MS; Christopher (April) Holliman of Lucedale, MS, and Cecily Holliman of Lucedale, MS; six great grandchildren:  Hayley Ferguson, Chloe Ferguson, and Issac Hamby of Pelahatchie, MS; Elijah and Dayton Holliman of Lucedale, MS and Nola Grace Miller of Lucedale, MS; a sister in law, Cathy Welford of Gulfport, MS, and a host of nieces and nephews. 
 

John was preceded in death by his parents:  A. A. Sr. and Flossie Welford, a brother:  Auburn Andrew Welford Jr.,  a sister, Rebecca Flossie Rigney, a brother in law, Johnny L. Rigney, Jr., his wife, Joan Dianne Waites Welford and a nephew, Matthew McCarty. 
 

Funeral services will occur Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Family Life Fellowship Church in Lucedale MS, with Bro. Jay Solomon, Bro. Artis Wiggins, and Bro. Owen Eubanks officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. 
 

There will be a wake for Mr. Welford tonight, May 9, 2022 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Family Life Fellowship Church in Lucedale, MS. 

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