Funeral Service for Freddy H. "Butch" Welch, 70, of Williams will be 12pm on Monday, October 18, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Williams with Dr. Barry Howard officiating. Burial will follow at Williams Baptist Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 5 - 8pm at the church. Mr. Welch passed away at 2:35pm, on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at RMC.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Penny Wynne Welch, three daughters, Rani Michelle Welch, Summer Wynne Welch Angel (Brad), and Haley Erin Welch Proctor (Frank), three grandchildren, Lillie Mae Sherman, Maeson Sage Proctor and Roanen Freddy Jett Varnum, two sisters, Treva Welch Gowens and Beth Welch, two brothers, Kevin "Byrd" Welch and Joey Welch, nephew, Carey Blu Gowens, his two loving dogs John Wayne and Sylvie, and many nieces and nephews
Mr. Welch is preceded in death by his parents Louie and Judy Welch, brother-in-law, Troy Gowens.
Pallbearers will be Frank Proctor, Brad Angel, Bruce Clemment, Tyler Ponder, Blu Gowens, Robert "Bubba" Turner, Wendell McGinnis, Jody Cooper, Joey Welch and Kevin "Byrd" Welch and Jack Gurley.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Brian Boozer, Anthony Brown, Sean Ponder, Tim Turner, Johnny Ingram, Gary Ingram, Bo Green, Ty Green, Mark Green, Dennis Green, E.L. Green, Kenny Stratton, Arland Lovell, Keith Johnston, and Donnie Ponder.
Special friends, The Supper Club, Mike and Beverly Almaroad, Terry and Becky Wilson, Kyle and Robbie Medders, Hill and Peggy Mayfield and Sheila and Bobby Newell.
Mr. Welch was a native and lifelong resident of Calhoun County. He was a graduate of Jacksonville High School and attended JSU. He served in the National Guard for six years. Mr. Welch was a member of the Alabama Home Builders Association for over forty years, where he served as President for one year. Gray Brown-Service Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online Condolences at www.mem.com
To Butch, family was the most important thing. He loved and adored his wife, Penny, and they had been together since the ninth grade. He loved having his three daughters, grandbabies and animals around him, and was happiest in the middle of family get-togethers with food, laughter and love.
He loved his God and his church, and served and honored that love by being a vessel to the community as a carpenter, using his bare hands and his brilliant mind to build homes, churches, and even several homes for Habitat for Humanity. His skill as a builder was passed down to him by his own grandfather, father, uncles, and that legacy continues with his brothers, nephews and friends. So many of the now builders of Calhoun County, learned their skills by working on Butch's job sites. The family has received countless letters of gratitude, stating this very fact -- a testament to Butch's kindness, generosity and wisdom.
"And many who heard him were astonished, saying "Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands?" Mark 6:2
"A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown, and among his relatives and in his own household." Mark 6:4
If we could sum up Butch in a few words, which is impossible to do, we would list these: Love, Loyalty, Compassion, Generousity, Patience, Honor, Wisdom, Joy, Sincerety, Integrity, Forgivenesss, Humility, Gentleness, Optimism, Simplicity, Stubborn hard headedness, and the deepest Will to Live and to push through all odds. He made deals on handshakes and hugs, and trusted people without passing judgement. We love him forever and will miss dearly.
