Welton Gafford Obituary (1953

Welton Gafford was called from labor to reward on Saturday, April 21, 2018. He was born Feb 8, 1953 to Stephen and Mattie Walker Gafford. Welton joined the Galilee Baptist Church at an early age. He attended local schools in Appomattox including Carver-Price High School. While at Carver-Price his love for sports, especially basketball, allowed him to flourish as a player under Coach Joe Lewis. Welton graduated from Appomattox County High School with the class of 1971. On April 29 1972, Welton married the former Wanda L. Ferguson. From this union they had two children Tyrone and Adrianne. He was also father to two Jamal and Ashley Dixon. Welton was a dedicated employee of BWXT in Lynchburg, VA, having worked there over forty years. During this time he worked diligently to earn his Apprenticeship license as a machinist. When not working Welton pursued his passion for fishing, as it he often stated it provided him "with peace" while being on the water. Preceding him in death are his parents Stephen and Mattie Gafford, two brothers, Samuel and Robert and one sister Rebecca Mae Palmer. Those who will continue to cherish his memory include: Wanda Gafford, their two children, Tyrone Wendell Gafford, his wife Kimberly and grandchildren Marcus and Carson; and Adrianne Denise Huls, her husband Major Steven Huls and grandchildren Summer and Steven, Jr; two children, Ashley Dixon and two grandchildren Arin and Alijah Dixon and Jamel Dixon and five grandchildren Isaiah, Avery, Savannah, Ashton, and Kacen Dixon. Brothers and Sisters, Rev. Dr. James D. Gafford (Loretta), Hazel Gafford, Stephen Gafford (Glenda), Ann Moore (Raymond), Eleanor Gafford, Mae Hester Hamlette (Larry), Inez Gafford, Pauline Gilbert (Carson), and Elder Maxwell M. Gafford (Monek). There are a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will also cherish memories of how Welton touched their lives. The family would like to thank Conservation Police Officer Sandy of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Mecklenberg County Sheriff's Office.