Smithfield - Robert Neal Welch, age 56, died Wednesday. He was born March 8, 1952 in Johnston County to Betty Sugg Welch of Smithfield and the late Ted Neal "Bo" Welch. Neal was a Utlities Contractor by trade but his passion was mud racing.A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 9, 2009 in the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Joe Hester officiating.Surviving in addition to his mother are his son, Vance Welch of Smithfield; daughter, Maura Stewart and husband Brad of Cary; brothers, Carl Welch and wife Cindy of Raleigh and Gordon Welch of Wilmington, DE; and a sister, Alice Welch Adelman of Smithfield.The family will receive friends immediately following the service.In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Johnston County, SPCA,720 Durham Street, Clayton, NC 27520.