Christopher Ray Welch, 48, of Harriman, Tenn., formerly of Marble, passed away Monday, Jan. 3, 2022.
He was a native of Cherokee County and a 1991 graduate of Andrews High School.
He joined the United States Army in 1992. Chris was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd group Special Forces as a demolition/engineer sergeant. He later served as a Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Instructor. Chris made numerous deployments to Bosnia during 1998 and 1999.Chris then worked with the Department of Homeland Security as a federal agent and lead training specialist for the Office of Secure Transportation.
Chris enjoyed spending time on the water with his friends and daughter. He was a talented woodworker and of the Baptist faith.
He was a loving father to his daughter, Teagan Welch; and the son of Bobby Ray and Karen Welch of Marble. He is also survived by his girlfriend of nine years, Amy Walker of Knoxville, Tenn.; grandmother, Mary Lee Hughes; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10, at Ivie Funeral Home in Murphy, with Chris’ friends and co-workers leading the service.
The family requests that those who attend wear masks and practice social distancing.
Interment will be in Maltby Baptist Church Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by Hayesville VFW Post 6812, Hayesville American Legion Post 532, and Murphy American Legion Post 96. Chris’ co-workers will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Operation Angel Wing at www.operationangelwing.org/services.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, is in charge of arrangements.
An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhome.com.