TUPELO – Allen Ray Welford, a fine southern gentleman, former school teacher and insurance agent for over 35 years died Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at his residence in Tupelo after a sudden illness. He was 81 years old. Allen was born in Leaf (Greene Co.), Mississippi in the Piney Woods region of the state to Johnie Welford and Esther Goff Welford. He was a graduate of Rocky Creek High School and Delta State University where he earned a B.A. Degree in Education and met Betty Lou Bailey, his wife of 59 years, while they were both students. They were married July 2, 1966, in Cleveland, MS. Mr. Welford taught school and coached in Long Beach, MS for 8 years before becoming an insurance agent for American Fidelity Assurance Company, a position he held for 32 years.

Allen and Betty were faithful members of West Main Church of Christ since 1988 where he served as Elder, Deacon, and was Bible Class teacher. During his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and all things outdoors including being a big sports fan of Ole Miss. His greatest joy was spoiling his grandchildren whom they lovingly called PaPa. A man with a big heart, a quiet but stoic disposition and a strong moral and spiritual strength, Allen’s life touched so many lives in his generous earthly pilgrimage. He will be missed!

A service celebrating Mr. Welford’s life will be held at noon Saturday, May 23, 2026, in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors in Tupelo with his minister, Dr. Kerry Williams of West Main Church of Christ, officiating. His son-in-law, James Taylor, will lead the congregational singing. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 10 AM to service time at Noon on Saturday only at the funeral home.

Survivors include his wife Betty Bailey Welford; 2 children, Leslie Taylor (James) and Jeff Welford (Cindy) all of Tupelo; 4 siblings, Patricia Ware (Marcus) of Petal, Peggy Malley of Lucedale, Diane Patrick of Foley, AL, and Tony Welford of Mobile, AL; 3 granddaughters, Erin Drummond (Daniel), Kathryn Taylor (fiancé Andy Trollinger), and Lauren Beard (Clark), and great-grandson Henry Drummond. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Johnny Welford.

Memorials in memory of Allen may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to assist the family with arrangements. Those who wish may view the service at noon Saturday at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming. The service will be permanently archived thereafter.

Pallbearers will be Jim Bailey, Clark Beard, Daniel Drummond, and Andy Trollinger.