Former Buckhorn Inn Manager Kathy Welch Passes Away

Welch, Kathleen Hall (aged 86)—Pittman Center and formerly of Knoxville, passed away peacefully at home on July 2, 2026.

Born in 1939 at her grandmother’s home in Sonora Kentucky to Kathleen and David Nunn Hall, she grew up a cheerful tomboy in a dress, on a farm near Jackson, Tennessee. A reluctant beauty queen, she met her husband, Hugh, in college and together they built a loving, extended family that included children, grandchildren, graduate students, exchange students, and other random people her kids brought home. Her first job was grading IQ tests in California, which she found funny, but she went on to wear many hats, including girl scout leader, artisan, part of the Paint and Patch all woman contracting group, and innkeeper at Buckhorn Inn from 1983-1989.

She was fun and amazingly creative and could make something beautiful out of almost nothing. Fiercely independent, warm and affectionate, she could be prickly if pushed, but was a deeply intelligent and generous soul who said family was her religion. She adored and doted on her grandchildren, feeding them things she never would have allowed her own children to eat, and had a sense of humor that at times could make you blush. She persevered through immense tragedy but wanted to make others happy. She loved deeply and will be missed dearly.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 60 years, Hugh; her brother, David Nunn Jr.; and her son David Gordon. She is survived by daughter Vickie Lewelling (Joe) of Arlington, VA, and son Mark Welch (Nicole) of Starkville MS; grandchildren Carl Christian (Anna Mesa) Lewelling, Joseph Tait (Daniele) Lewelling; Chloe Lewelling, Gordon Welch, and Brice Welch, and great granddaughter, Olivia. We are grateful for the warm friendship and attentiveness of all of her neighbors and special friends Lee and Lucy, who kept an eye on her as she stayed in the home she loved.