Jack T. Welsh

Jack T. Welsh of North Little Rock, died Wednesday, September 29, 2010 from Heart Disease at home with his family by his side. Jack was born the son of Austin Welsh and Gladys (Armbrust) Welsh on July 8, 1933 in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated from North Little Rock High School with the class of 1951. He was of the Korean War conflict and the Air Force Reserve. Jack began his career in building construction with his uncle E.E. Armburst Company here in North Little Rock. In 1972 he formed his own company The Jack Welsh Company, Building Contractor. Jack was a master craftsman taking great pride in his work. He built and help to build and restore many structures in Little Rock and surrounding area many times traveling to other states to do this work. Jack taught his son Frank to continue to have those work ethics in business. He enjoyed Razorback sports and was a past member of the Little Rock Razorback Club. When he was able to attend Jack enjoyed the Fellowship of Lakewood Methodist Church. Jack enjoyed playing Black Jack at the Casino's, visiting friends at the Peoples brothers Lumber Co. and Packs here in North Little Rock. One of his favorite places to eat and visit with friends was when Roy and Chee-chee had Fishers Restaurant he enjoyed good food and spending time with cousins Don, Larry Welsh and Tommy Stringfellow. Over the years Jack and his family traveled to family reunions over 40 years in other states. Jack was predeceased in death by his parents Austin and Gladys Welsh, brothers, Austin Jr. and David of North Little Rock. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Lynn of North Little Rock; their children Lori and (Danny) Pledger of North Little Rock, Frank Welsh and (Jan) of Cabot, Mandy Rabalais and (Michael) of Scott. He was "Papa Jack" to seven wonderful grandchildren who he loved dearly, Hunter and (Jessi) Pledger, Cody Pledger and Misti Whitlock, Tyler Welsh, Julia Welsh, Madeline Rabalais, Mitchell Rabalais and Meredith Rabalais. Also survived by sisters Billie and (WE) Evans of Cabot and Darlene and (Don) Lantrip of Scott, many nephews, nieces and cousins here in the North Little Rock area, his uncle Johnny Armbrust (Dorthy) and Aunt Juanita Prause. Extended family, brother-in-law, Jack (Ann) Wilson of Jacksonville, Roger (Donna) Wilson of Mountain View, sisters-in-law, Aleta (Jim) Long of Mountain View, Doris (Roger) Fountain of Pineville and Diane (Gary) Osburn of Mountain View. The family would especially like to thank everyone for all the prayers and support during Jack's illness, Dr. Susan Delap, Dr. Hebbar, Dr. Tom Conley, Dr. Michael Bauer and the staff at Baptist Hospital LR and Baptist Springhill and Baptist Hospice and Nurse Evelyn and caregiver Loretta for giving us the extended years we had to spend with our husband and father. Thank you Kelly "The Medicine Man" for your special delivery of Jack's medicine. A special thanks to his "girls" and nurses Lori and Mandy for giving loving care to their daddy. We will miss you "Papa Jack". The family request "Casual" dress for Jack's service. Memorials may be made to Baptist Health Foundation or the charity of your choice. A Graveside service will be held 10 a.m., Friday at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.