John Reese Welch Jr.

John Reese Welch Jr. passed away in his sleep on July 19th, 2026 at the young age of 97. He easily won the affections of all who had the fortune of crossing his path thanks to his charming twang, unending kindness, and infectious sense of humor. He was tenacious, meticulous, and had a knack for making everyone who knew and loved him feel like they were the apple of his eye.

John was born on April 4th,1929 in the Red Ash coal mining camp of Tazewell, Virginia to Mary Mahala Welch (née Mays), and John Reece Welch, Sr. He grew up in Castlewood, Virgina before serving our country in the United States Navy. He raised three children with his wife of 49 years, Kitty Ruth Welch (née Nave), and spent years working as an electrotyper for the Kingsport Press in Kingsport, Tennessee. In 1966, his family relocated to Kettering, Ohio. John worked for McCall’s Magazine before accepting a position at Delco Products, from where he ultimately retired in 1996.

Following his retirement, John spent his time as an active member of Sugarcreek Presbyterian Church, dutifully reading the Dayton Daily News from end to end, volunteering for Meals on Wheels, leading the neighborhood watch, advancing democratic ideals as a poll worker, showering his four grandchildren (and, later, three great-grandchildren) with love, and trying to whistle The Andy Griffith Show theme song.

John was preceded in death by his parents [Mary Mahala Welch (Mays) and John Reece Welch Sr.], his sister (Virginia Arnold), his wife of 49 years [Kitty Ruth Welch (Nave)], and son (John Richard “Rick” Welch Jr.). He is survived by family who loves him a bushel and a peck, including his daughters Dolores (Tyler) Stonecypher and Belinda DiLeo; grandchildren Dustin (Karen) Stonecypher, Jahnny (Nate) Earle, Sam (Jessica) Stonecypher, and Ericka (Chris) Thomas; and great-grandchildren Marissa Stonecypher, Isaac Stonecypher, and Luna Reese Thomas.

A celebration of life for John will be held on August 2nd, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at Tobias Funeral Home (5471 Far Hills Avenue) with the Rev. Amy Duiker officiating. Details for John’s celebration of life and inurnment in Kingsport, Tennessee are forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, please eat a Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie, think of Mayberry, or make a donation in his honor to the Christian Appalachian Project or Sugarcreek Presbyterian Church.

He will be sorely missed.