Andy "Big Red" Welch

Never once during his battle with brain cancer, did I hear Andy complain or say why me? His will to fight and survive for almost four years after his diagnosis had his doctors baffled. However, Andy was determined to get back to work at UPS, a loyal employee for over 25 years. He made each day count. Andy loved his family and was proud of his daughter Addison and son Trent.

In his spare time Andy enjoyed being in the outdoors, whether it was hunting, golfing, fishing or cooking on the grill. He loved to coach Addison’s softball team and Trent’s baseball games. He played his guitar and wrote the “Live Oak Song” for his family reunion. Family was important to him. He was an avid Gator fan and wore his orange and blue proudly.

As most of you know Andy never met a stranger and was always the life of the party. He could carry on a conversation with anyone he met. He was adventurous and so optimistic about life, turning negatives into positives. Even though this past year was a real struggle Andy remained hopeful. The cancer had taken over and more than once we thought this was the end, but Andy surprised us yet once again. He remained at home for the last few months of life. He enjoyed watching cooking shows, his favorite was The Pioneer Woman and Trisha’s Southern Kitchen with Trisha Yearwood. He loved his food. It got to be a joke don’t come to the house unless you have sausage dogs or doughnuts.

Every weekend Andy looked forward to his friends stopping by to visit and watching football. There was also an occasional poker game scheduled. He continued to keep his sense of humor and most of you know there was no telling what would come out of his mouth or when.

Andy was loved by so many. I am grateful for his close friends that have been right there by my side this whole journey and what a journey it has been. I am so blessed to have had Andy in my life, though it was too short. “Is it better to have loved and lost or to have never loved at all?” I will take better to have loved any day. He will always be in my heart, but it will never be the same. The amount of friends and family that came to visit him was gratifying and he appreciated everyone that stopped by, especially those who came with food. Andy was tired, tired of fighting, tired of lying in his hospital bed not able to move on his own. He spent his last few days at Big Bend Hospice where he received wonderful care from loving aides, nurses, and doctors. I know some nights he was a handful for the nurses and stayed on his buzzer every 5 minutes. He just wanted to keep you on your toes. Thanks for being there for him. He was blessed by many pastors who came to see him.

On February 7th, God was ready for Andy and he took his last breath. I had told him it was ok, he had earned his angel wings and it was time to let go. I did ask one thing before he left and that was for him to send me a big, red cardinal once he made it safely to Heaven. The next day I was looking out back and sure enough there sat that big, red cardinal and his mate. I knew right then he was my visitor from heaven. I love you Andy Welch!!

Funeral Services will be held February 23, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Presbyterian Church, 2317 Bannerman Road, Tallahassee, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, Florida 32308 or at the Tallahassee Animal Shelter, 1125 Easterwood Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32311