Robert Vernon WelchMaryville, TNRobert Vernon Welch was born on January 20, 1929 in Sharps Chapel, TN. Robert entered into his Heavenly home on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at Asbury Place. Robert was the oldest living member of Brantley's Chapel Primitive Baptist Church in Maryville, TN. He served over the years as a Trustee and Deacon. He served in the Korean War in 1952-53. He was a devoted Christian who was a very kind, honest and loving person who had many treasured friends and family. His battle with Alzheimer's was very hard. But his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. Robert's favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 22:1 "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches." Preceded in death by first wife, Blanche Anderson Welch; daughter, Janet Welch; parents, Chester and Virgie Weaver Welch; sisters, Annalee Hazeltine and Wanda Pigush; stepson, Steve Rutherford. Survivors include wife, Carol Rutherford Welch; daughter, Karen Cain and husband Bob of Alcoa, TN; granddaughters, Amanda Spain; great-grandchildren, Hunter and Shelby of Orlando, FL; step-grandson, Jeffery Cain and his son Gavin of Knoxville, TN; special stepdaughter, Vickie Rutherford of Knoxville, TN; stepson and wife, Michael and Ann Rutherford, their children John Michael and Valerie of Georgia; step-grandson and wife, Allen and Crystal Rutherford, their children and daughter-in-law, Carolyne, Colton and Savannah Rutherford of Sharps Chapel, TN; step-granddaughter, Mary Rutherford of Altamont, MS; step-grandson, Matthew Rutherford of Powell, TN; step-granddaughter and husband, Laura and Mike Shipp and their children Brooklin and Brantley of Knoxville. Friends and family will gather at Smith Trinity Chapel to share the memories and tears for this great man who God has called home. Family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 AM, Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM with Elder Lawrence Adams and Brother Colton Rutherford officiating. Interment will follow at Brantley's Chapel Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Maryville. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-993-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.