Born in Winnsboro, he was the son of the late James Wesley, Sr. and Annie Brooks Welch. He was a Minister of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Reverend Welch was loved by so many in this area and everywhere he ever traveled in his lifetime. He taught guitar lessons while Mrs. Welch taught piano lessons. He was more than willing to help people, from hauling kids to school, C.A. rallies, talent competitions, and church camps.
He transported sick people to hospitals to get much needed surgeries or treatments. His ministry extended to anyone, whether sick or poor.
He was also a real wheeler-dealer of all kinds of goods and wares, even pocketknives. His trunk was a treasure chest of all kinds of stuff.
We will never know just how many people he led to the Lord as he interacted with so many folks along the way from 1952 – 2021. Surely, when he entered the gates of Heaven, he really found out how many souls met Jesus because of him. He always stated: “I am James Welch. I am blood-bought, spirit filled, God inside minded. I am not going under. I am going up and over. Praise his Name!
Surviving are: his sons, Stephen (Sherry) Welch of Greenville, Wes (Louise) Welch of Winnsboro, Glenn (Tammy) Welch of Belton and Melvin (Donna) Welch of Abbeville; his daughter, Beth (Donnie) Cannon of Iva; nineteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.
Rev. Welch was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and his sisters, Ernestine Welch and Joann Burroughs.
Funeral services will be held at 1 P.M. Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at Crossroads Fellowship Church with Rev. Paul Cooper, Rev. Homer Gilmer, and Rev, Jonathan Welch officiating. Social distancing and mask are recommended. Burial will follow in Garden of Memories.
The family is at the home of Emily and Austin Grant, 2510 Hwy 201, Due West, SC 29639 and will receive friends immediately following the graveside service at the Garden of Memories. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to Crossroads Fellowship Church Building Fund, 7832 Hwy 20, Honea Path, SC 29654. Messages of condolence may be made to the family at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com
Your message to the family will be private, and will be deilvered to them on the day of the funeral service.
If the service has already been held, please contact the family directly.