Vernon Mabrey “Buddy” Welch Jr. died Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at River Region Medical Center. He was 78.

Born in Meridian, he was the son of the late Vernon Mabrey Welch Sr. and Wilma Louise Monroe Welch. Mr. Welch had been a resident of Vicksburg for more than 50 years and was a graduate of Carr Central High School. He received a master’s degree in biology from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Mr. Welch served in the Air Force from 1949 to 1953. He retired from the Corps of Engineers as a training specialist with more than 30 years of service.

He was an avid golfer, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Elks Lodge BPOE No. 95 and Highland Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Anderson Welch of Vicksburg; a daughter, Patricia A. Fuqua of Fairhope, Ala.; a stepdaughter, Tracey Harris Blush of Combs, Ark.; a son, Vernon Mabrey Welch III of Asheville, N.C.; a stepson, Mark Dennis Harris of Pelahatchie; six grandchildren, Michael D. Fuqua, John Welch, Meghan Welch, Cade Blush, Kyle  Blush and Cole Blush; one brother, Mike Welch; and two stepsisters, Marilyn Paula Dean and Rita Wade.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Riles Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Steve Bennett officiating. Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. Saturday until the hour of the service.

Pallbearers will be Larry Tarnabine, David Fuqua, Rhada Hopkins, James Jackson, Charles Harris and Richard Blush.

Honorary pallbearers will be Gertrude Williams, Dr. Jody Wilson, Dr. Abdul G. Bahro, Dr. Lee Giffin and Dr. Murray Whitaker.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1380 Livingston Lane, Jackson, MS 39213 and to Highland Baptist Church, 3518 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180.