DEARING, Ga. - Mr. John "Bill" Welch, 81, beloved husband of Bernice Hood Welch, went home to be with his Lord on August 28, 2007, after an extended illness.
He was born on April 2, 1926, at his home in Dearing and lived most of his life in Dearing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim Earl and Elizabeth Inglett Welch, his baby sister, Clarabelle Welch, and his brother, Norman Welch.
Those left to cherish his memories in addition to his wife of 60 years, include his son, Sonny Welch, and his wife, Cindy, of Dearing; his daughter, Jewell Neal, and her husband, Billy, of Harlem; his son, Kenneth Welch, and his wife, Beverly, of Dearing; his son, Jeff Welch, and his wife, Melissa, of Dearing; his grandchildren, Joey Welch, Jr., Tammy Cooler, Beverly Neal, Billy Neal, Jr., Dee Hawkins, Ken Welch, Jr., Candace Welch, Elizabeth Farley, Hannah Welch and Jesse Welch; and his great grandchildren, Trey Welch, Jessie Cooler, Lauren Hawkins, Hunter Hawkins and Aaron Farley; and his sisters, Shirley Carithers and Helen Phillips both of Dearing and four wonderful caregivers Betty Bailey, Delle Smith, Frances Woodward and Mary Dorsey.
He was a member of the United States Navy and served during World War II. He was retired from Hoover Treated Wood Products and was a member of Dearing Baptist Church. He adored his family and loved everyone. He was always willing to help a person in need. One of his passions was building things. He was a giving and thoughtful person such that he generously donated his body to the Medical College of Georgia to be used for research to help other people. He will be greatly missed.
A memorial service was held at Dearing Baptist Church on Friday, August 31, 2007, at 6 p.m. with Drs. Michael Timmerman and Todd Upchurch officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society at 2607 Commons Blvd., Augusta, GA 30909 or to The Gideon's International at 4916 Luckey's Bridge Road SE, Dearing, GA 30808.
Beggs Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
