Garry Marshal Welford served in the U.S. Navy for 3 years and 11 months. Garry served during the years of the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
Sheriff Garry Welford was struck and killed by the driver of a vehicle being pursued by deputies along Bexley Road South.
At approximately 2:45 pm deputies from the George County Sheriff's Office were pursuing a pick-up truck that had failed to stop for them. A passenger in the vehicle was wanted on a warrant for failing to appear for sentencing on a narcotics charge.
Sheriff Welford was struck by the vehicle as attempted to deploy spike strips at the intersection of Bexley Road South and Howard Road. He was airlifted to the University of South Alabama Medical Center where he died from his injuries.
The passenger and his 18-year-old girlfriend, who was driving the vehicle, were apprehended the next day and charged in connection with the death of Sheriff Welford. Both were convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life without parole on September 10, 2012.
Sheriff Welford was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served as the sheriff of George County for seven years. Before being elected he had served for 30 years with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
He is survived by his wife, son, two daughters, and seven grandchildren.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Sheriff Welford gave the George County Sheriff's Office 37 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lucedale community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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