Pamplico – Francis Marion "Popeye" Welch, 72, died on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 after an illness.

A graveside service will be Thursday, April 7, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Florence Memorial Gardens. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm. at the Funeral Home.

Mr. Welch was born in Darlington County, the son of the late Major Charlie and Myrtle Grantham Welch. He was a self-employed well driller. "Popeye" served in the US Army, during the Vietnam conflict as a Paratrooper and retired from the National Guard with 31 years of service. He loved spending time with his family, watching westerns and being outdoors, especially fishing.

Surviving are the mother of his children, Annie Faye Jeffords Welch; two sons, Andy (Lynn) Welch, Jeffery (Melissa) Welch all of Pamplico; a daughter, Angela (Thad) Wilkins, Georgia; three brothers, L.M. (Betty) Welch, Bud ( Lib) Welch; three sisters, Hazel (Ron) Turner, Bonita (Teggie) Ham, Juanita (Jack) Sharpe; five grandchildren, Jennifer Welch, Drew Welch, Tyler Wilkins, Hunter Wilkins and Kevin Welch. He is preceded in death by a brother, Edgar (Boot) Welch and two sisters, Lib Howell and Peggy Welch.

Layton-Anderson Funeral Home, 4210 W. Palmetto Street, Florence is assisting the family with arrangements. You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.laytonandersonfh.com