Welford Macon Durrer ended his earthly journey Thursday, December 14, 2017 in Albemarle County.
He was born in Albemarle County on September 21, 1921, son of the late Willie Mack and Duane Durrer.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Neil; sisters, Garnett Durrer Breeden, Irene Durrer Dennis and Crystal Durrer Taylor; brothers, Jack Durrer, Tommy Durrer and George B. Durrer. They were all raised on Springhill Road in Ruckersville on the family farm and most of them had homes built on five acre lots that was deeded to them by their mother before her death.
Welford is survived by a sister, Mary Dickens, who lived just three doors down from him at Branchlands, where he had recently moved. They both loved reading newspapers and would trade papers each morning since she got some he didn’t get and he got one she didn’t get.
He is also survived by a daughter, Carolyn Ann, with whom he shared her home and was cared for by her until hospice took care of his last days. Hospice of the Piedmont treated him with respect and dignity and assisted with his pain management for which the family is grateful.
Welford is also survived by a grandson, Dr. Wesley MacNeil Oliver (Law). Wes added so much to his grandfather’s life, from trips to places he had never been to introducing him to the Tennessee Supreme Court as a friend of the court, to meeting Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in his chambers at the Supreme Court.
He is also survived by a granddaughter, Tiffany Oliver Goode (Doug). As a teenager, Tiffany showed horses and she and her grandfather spent a lot of time training and travelling to the shows so quite a bond was created by their shared love of the outdoors and animals.
Welford was a World War II veteran joining the Navy in 1942. He made 17 trips across the Atlantic and received two bronze stars.
He was the meat manager for Safeway in Orange, Virginia and on his days off he worked on building his dream home on Springhill Road.
He was a member of the Barboursville Masonic Lodge 112 for over 50 years and was worshipful master from 1968-1969. His pallbearers will be his Masonic brothers.
He was a member of Spring Hill Baptist Church, 2620 Frays Mill Road, Ruckersville, VA, where his funeral service will be held 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 19, 2017 with Pastor Steve Nethery officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Masonic Rites.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jeffrey Alexander at Blue Ridge Internal Medicine. He worked with Hospice and we will be forever grateful for his understanding and compassion.
An online guestbook is available at www.ryanfuneral.com
Ryan Funeral Home of Ruckersville is in charge of arrangements.