Richard Lee (Dickie) Welch, 66, of Gloucester, passed away Sept. 29, 2012.

He was preceded by his parents, Raymond L. Welch and Frances A. (Sue) Welch.

Dickie retired from Newport News Shipbuilding after 41 years, ending his career in O39 Quality Control, as a Nuclear Supervisor. He was a master shipbuilder for our nations’ Nimitz Class aircraft carriers. He was a member of the N-SSA (North-South Skirmish Association). He enjoyed meeting members from other states and shooting black powder rifles.

His hobbies and interests were many including hunting, camping and fishing. His skills in the woods and on the water always kept the freezer full. Dickie was a man of nature, with a special love of the mountains. He also had a passion for cars and an eye for the classics, even before they became one. He has appreciated many and owned some beauties. When he wasn’t in the woods, he was under the hood of a car. In his own words, "Between what my father taught me and a book, I’ve become a pretty good mechanic." If you couldn’t find him around the house, just head for the garage. Ever a man of action, he was often found working on a project, spending time with family or enjoying his hobbies.

He attended Providence Baptist Church and enjoyed working with the Living Singing Christmas tree. Dickie was a loving husband and a family man. He was always willing to help family and friends in any way he could. He wore many hats in his lifetime, but his favorite was Grandpa. The pride and love for his grandchildren was expressed generously. He was a modern-day renaissance man and his honesty, strength and depth of character will forever remain in our hearts. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Connie S. Welch; daughter, Victoria Leigh Welch; son, Richard Lee Welch Jr. and wife Ashley; sister, Peggy Wommack and husband Eddie; brother, Johnnie Welch and wife Donna; grandchildren, Savannah Raye, Richard Lee III, and Caleb M.

A Celebration of Life Service conducted by the Rev. Dr. Richard Croxton will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, at Providence Baptist Church. Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery. Everyone is invited to the Fellowship Hall at Providence Baptist Church after the service.

In memory of Richard, donations to a charitable organization of choice can be made in his name.

Arrangements by Hogg Funeral Home and Crematory, Gloucester Point.