Welsford Eure Artz

   Welsford Eure Artz, 79, of Durham, NC, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 10, 2023, in his home where he was surrounded by his family.

   Welsford grew up in his beloved eastern North Carolina village of Gatesville in Gates County. The son of the late John and Louise Eure Artz, he graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was a die-hard Tar Heel. He served proudly in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He later worked as a chemist with Monsanto in the Research Triangle Park, and after leaving that company he and his wife, Sarah, planned and kept a Monsanto yearly reunion going for years. Welsford held dear those Monsanto relationships that had been established since the 80’s. After life with Monsanto he became a Realtor serving with the same company for 35 years, first known as Prudential, later changing to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, where he received many awards for his business and service during his career. A longtime member of the Durham Association of Realtors he had served on its board for several years.

   Tennis was a large part of Welsford’s life since he was a teenager. He loved his tennis friends and they will tell you that he was a gentleman and mentor on the court while also being very competitive. Exercise was always important to him as he ran road races, competed in two marathons, and also enjoyed bike riding and sailing.

   His greatest love was exhibited through his dedication to his family. He spent many hours helping to coach his children in sports at school and the Oak Grove Athletic Association. When his grandchildren were born, he took them on trips to his hometown of Gatesville and to Old Fort, his father’s home in the mountains of North Carolina.

   Many in the family will remember his intense interest in history, especially family history. He kept his family tree updated and was quick to teach the younger family members or others in the Artz and Eure families about their genealogy. He loved his aunts, uncles, and cousins and was very dedicated to each of them.

   Surviving is his wife of 26 years, Sarah Eure Artz; his children, David Artz (wife, Reena) of Myrtle Beach, SC, Julie Ross (husband, Mike) of Liberty, and Melissa Wood (husband, Rodney) of Apex; his grandchildren, Trevor, Cameron, Kevin, Nathan, Rachel, Courtney, Kelby, Callie, Isabelle, and Caroline; his step-children and his many cherished cousins and extended family.

   A memorial service will be held Tuesday, February 14^th, at 2:00 p.m. in his mother’s home church, Eure Christian Church, 872 NC Highway 137, Eure, NC and will be conducted by the pastor, The Reverend Wade Bennett. Friends are invited to visit with the family in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service. A private inurnment will be later that afternoon in the family plot at the Town of Gatesville Cemetery.

   A Gathering of family and friends to further celebrate his life will be held on Sunday, February 19^th, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Durham Association of Realtors, 4236 University Drive in Durham.

   In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Gates County Historical Society, in care of Barbara Wiant, P.O. Box 134, Gatesville, NC 27938, or to the Walk For Hope (https://walkforhope.com/how-to-help/donating).

   Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.