He was born September 25, 1939, in Simpson County, one of two sons born to the late William Washington Welch and Bertha Lee Buckley Welch. Mr. Welch was a longtime member of Palestine Baptist Church in Harrisville where he was as a deacon for more than 50 years. A devoted Christian he loved his Lord and his church family dearly. He served with the Army National Guard from 1957 until 1963. Following his discharge from service he married his beloved wife, Joan Elise Welch, and they were blessed with 47 years together prior to her passing in 2010.
A man of integrity with an appreciation for the dignity of hard work, Mr. Welch had two lengthy careers. He worked for Mississippi Products Inc for 22 years until their closing. Afterward he worked for 25 years with the Exide Battery plant until it’s closing, at which time he decided to retire and enjoy time with his family.
Mr. Welch’s family was at the heart of all that he did. He took pride in providing for them and delighting in spending time with each of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In his free time he enjoyed fishing, gardening, and the mountains- really anytime he could spend outdoors he was happy. Mr. Welch was a true “people person” and he never met a stranger. His warm personality endeared him to all who were blessed to have known him.
In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Washington Welch.
Survivors include daughters, Judith Lynn Welch McDonald (Steve), and Amy Darlene Welch Walls; grandchildren, Kayla McDonald Prestridge (Charles), Crystal McDonald Hartfield (Josh), Edward Taylor Walls (Haleigh), William Seth Walls, and Zachary Doyle Walls; great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Brett, Brantley, Chloe, and Harmony Jane Prestridge, Cooper and Dawson Hartfield, and Hunter Ray Walls; nephew, Jeff Ashley; and his niece and very dedicated caregiver, Lindsay Burns Welch.
Visitation will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 5:00pm until 8:00pm, and Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 1:00pm until 2:00pm, at Palestine Baptist Church in Harrisville. Funeral services will be at 2:00pm Sunday at the church with interment to follow in the Palestine Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the church or cemetery fund at Palestine Baptist, 1491 Old River Rd, Harrisville, MS 39082.
