Johnny Welsh, Jr.

Funeral services for Johnny Welsh, Jr., 86, of Gilmer will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gilmer Ward with Bishop Dean Fowler conducting. Interment will follow in Kelsey Cemetery in Upshur County. Arrangements are under the direction of Croley Funeral Home. Mr. Welsh passed away Friday, March 25, 2011 in a Tyler hospital. Mr. Welsh was born August 7, 1924 in Houston, Texas to John Joseph Matthew and Marguerite Cuegette Ellis Welsh. Mr. Welsh served 4 years in the U. S. Navy during WWII . He married Barbara Louise Lyons on February 8, 1952 in Houston, Texas and moved to East Texas in 1953. Mr. Welsh retired from Lone Star Steel in 1981 was the owner of Johnny"s Photography in Gilmer for over 30 years. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. After a long career with Lone Star Steel, Johnny Welsh began a second career as a professional photographer. He purchased the finest equipment and studied under some of the finest professional photographers in the country, gaining a reputation for quality portraiture in his community as well as within his profession. Johnny was a member of the Professional Photographers of America, the Texas Professional Photographers Association and the East Texas Professional Photographers Association of which he served as President. In 1992 he earned his professional degree called Master of Photography. He won numerous trophies and awards that cover the wall of his studio. Johnny"s wife, Barbara, was his assistant as well as his retouch artist throughout his photographic career. Johnny loved his family and devoted wife, Barbara. For years, one of his favorite hobbies, other than photography, was scuba diving and camping with his family. Johnny and Barbara were married 59 years. .He is survived by his wife: Barbara Welsh of Gilmer; daughters: Deborah Welsh of Dallas and Brenda Farris of Bullard; grandchildren: Therese Goodson, Jared Farris, Jansen Farris, and Madison Farris; great-grandchild: Sydney Jane Farris. Pallbearers will be Madison Farris, Jansen Farris, Jared Farris, Karl Jenkins, Philip Bryant, and Jim Bacon. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, March 28, 2011 at Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer. Please leave online condolences at www.croleyfh.net