Welford Hudgins Ransone, 87; his last words were “I’m going home.” On Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, with family by his side, he went into the heavenly light. 

He was an avid fisherman that loved being on the water. Before retirement, he was Vice President of Hudgins Fish Company, a well-known wholesale/retail seafood business based in West Palm Beach, Fla. Although he raised his family in West Palm Beach, his heart was always in Mathews County, Va. Welford was a member of the West Mathews Community League. He subscribed to the Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal newspaper and looked forward to receiving it in the mail. He would read it over and over again until the next edition arrived. He enjoyed reminiscing the “old days” with Food Editor and lifelong friend Betty Wrenn Day.

He was born in Bohannon, Va., and was the only child of the late Welford Gray Ransone and Mary Ruth Hudgins, both of Mathews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nell Zelma Dame. 

He leaves his children, Dr. Welford D. Ransone (Maria), Laura Corbett (Stephen), Wanda Ransone and Angela Hyland. He is also survived by grandchildren, Eric Goss (Amanda), Charlotte Albritton (Nicholas), Sean Goss and Hunter Hyland, and great-grandchildren, Savannah, Shelby, Wyatt and Cody.

The family wishes to sincerely thank special friends, Betty Todd and Randy Raines, “Tootie,” Ralph Anderton, Harlan and Linda Brooks for making his last visit to his beloved hometown an enjoyable one.

He will be missed by all his relatives and the many, many friends that he treasured. 

Memorial services will be held in Bohannon and West Palm Beach, to be announced at a later date.