Michael Ray Welborn, 76, of Clarkesville, GA, was the son of the late S.L. (Spud) and Sara Welborn. He was born in the historic “Charm House” when it was a doctor’s clinic in Clarkesville. He passed away on Thursday, February 4.
Graduating from the University of GA in 1969, his 30-year career with the Cooperative Extension Service included the counties of Gwinnett, Oconee, Pike, Henry, and Newton. Mr. Welborn said the most rewarding part of being a “County Agent” was working with kids in 4-H – seeing them develop starting in the 5th grade to seeing how successful they were in their future careers. He served as State President of the County Agents Association, State President of the 4-H Agents Association, and was a member of the National Board of County Agents.
Always active in his community, he served as president of the Kiwanis Club and worked with the Cattlemen’s Association. He was one of the two creators of the Newton Youth Leadership Institute and the local Master Gardeners’ program in Newton County. Retiring from Extension in 1998, he soon became the Board Chairman of the Gaither’s Living History Farm in Newton County. His hobbies were woodturning, wood carving, traveling, and UGA tailgating in Athens. He was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville, GA.
Survivors include his wife, Anita (Beall) Welborn; children William (Shanon) Chappell of Lexington, Lisa (Michael) Love of Peachtree City, and Robert (Kristin) Chappell of Watkinsville; and grandchildren Jonathan and Abi Chappell; Morgan, Jackie and Seth Love; and Tyler, Lauren and Mark Chappell.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bethlehem Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 488, Clarkesville, GA 30523.
An online guest book is available for the Welborn Family at www.HillsideMemorialChapel.com.
Funeral arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville. 706-754-6256
