Hart County chief magistrate judge remembered

HARTWELL – A celebration of life service was held Friday morning for Hart County Chief Magistrate Judge Ray Anthony “Tony” Welborn, 63, of Hartwell.

Welborn died Monday, Oct. 29, at Athens Regional Medical Center, with his family by his side.

Having served as chief magistrate judge in Hart County since Jan. 1, 2010, Welborn was retired as captain of investigations at Hartwell Police Department after 34 years of service. He was a member of the Hartwell Kiwanis Club, American Legion Post 109, and the Georgia Peace Officers Association.

In addition, he was a member of Cross Roads Baptist Church, where he served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, trustee, and box drummer with the praise team.

Welborn was a U.S. Air Force veteran, having served in Korea during the Vietnam War.

Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell was in charge of arrangements.