Community coming together to remember the lives of cherished local residents.
The towns of Harrison and Paris, TN, are grieving the passing of three cherished community members this year. Steve Wesley Welch, John Harrison, and David Emuel Bailey, III, are being remembered for their remarkable lives and contributions to their families and communities. Friends and family are joining together to celebrate their legacies, mourning their passing while honoring their memories through upcoming memorial services.
The communities of Harrison and Paris, TN, are mourning the loss of three beloved local residents this year. Friends and family are gathering to celebrate their incredible lives and the memories they’ve left behind.
Steve Wesley Welch, an 80-year-old resident of Harrison, TN, sadly passed away on May 13, 2024. Born on April 3, 1944, in Chattanooga, TN, he lit up the lives of everyone who knew him.
Steve was passionate about his family and loved the great outdoors. He was often found enjoying his time coon hunting, deer hunting, or trout fishing. Known for his larger-than-life personality, he was as generous with his laughter as he was with his time.
While Steve will be missed dearly, he leaves behind a loving family, including his devoted wife, Pat, with whom he shared over 60 wonderful years. His children Tami Tatum, Leann Barnes, Sherri Welch, and Steve Welch II, together with his grandchildren—Curtis, Clay, Lauren, Logan, Briley, Morgan, and Scarlett—will fondly remember him. Steve also took great joy in his great-grandchildren, Wesley, Olivia, Evertt, and Judith.
The family invites friends to pay their respects on May 20, 2024, from 2 PM to 8 PM at Gamble Road Baptist Church in Birchwood, TN. Celebrating Steve’s life, the funeral service will take place on May 21, 2024, at 1 PM at the church, officiated by Pastor Kenneth Nope, followed by burial at Barbee-Sims Cemetery.
Another cherished soul, John Harrison, aged 98, passed away on September 20, 2024, at the AHC of Goodlettsville, TN. John had a remarkable life, starting from his birth on January 10, 1926, in Greenfield, TN.
After proudly serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII, John dedicated 33 years of his career to AT&T, known then as Bellsouth, in Paris. His commitment was reflected in his service as a longtime Boy Scout leader and a member of the Paris Optimist Club.
John was a loving husband to Ruby Dell Bunton, who unfortunately passed on May 21, 2013. He is survived by his two sons, John Wayne and David Lawrence, both of whom have blessed him with grandchildren: Adam, Rachel, Chase, and Johnathan, along with great-grandchildren Noah, Tristan, Delaney, Molly, Jude, and Knox.
Visitation for John will take place on September 22, 2024, from 5 PM to 7 PM and again on September 23, 2024, from 12 PM to 2 PM at Ridgeway Funeral Home. The funeral service is set for 2 PM on September 23, 2024, with burial at Rose Lawn Memory Garden.
Lastly, the community reflects on the passing of David Emuel Bailey, III, who left us at the age of 65 on July 9, 2024. Born on January 15, 1959, in La Mesa, California, David was known for his unwavering spirit and dedication to family.
A proud veteran, he served in the South Carolina Army National Guard and retired as a Staff Sergeant from the Tennessee Army National Guard. Over his long career, he worked as a machinist at Interstate Machine Works for an impressive 40 years.
David was a devoted husband to the late Cynthia Ray Bailey and a full-hearted fan of the Clemson Tigers. His love for golfing and fishing was only surpassed by his enthusiasm for cooking for family and friends. He is survived by his children William, David IV, Joshua, and Aubrey, along with his sister Sue and seven grandchildren who will carry his legacy forward.
The funeral service for David will be held at 11 AM on July 17, 2024, at The Brice Herndon Funeral Chapel in Walterboro, SC, followed by interment at Woodland Cemetery. Friends can visit from 10 AM until the service.
As these communities come together to remember their loved ones, we honor the lives they’ve lived—full of adventure, love, service, and an unforgettable spirit.
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