William R. Welch

Mr. William “Billy” R. Welch went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 22, 2024 at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Fl. He was born on November 3, 1937 to James “Jimmy” and Ruth Welch in Micanopy, Fl. His family moved to Gilchrist County to the ranch at Neals. As a young man, he was raised on a ranch with his family and enjoyed calf roping, which he enjoyed in his adult life as well. He was a graduate of Bell High School where he was a proud member of the basketball team. He would then go on to graduate from Forest Ranger School in Lake City, Fl where he was part of the basketball and softball team. Buckeye Cellulose of Perry, Fl hired him as a forester where he worked for nearly 35 years. He also served in the US Army for 2 years in the Medical Depot at Kaiserslautern, Germany. He was very patriotic and loved serving his country.

Billy was an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved the outdoors. He was a devout Christian man- loving and serving His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. He was instrumental in helping with Calvary Baptist Church’s new building in Perry, Fl as well as helping with Bethel Baptist Church’s Fellowship building in Trenton, Fl. He was a very sweet and kind gentleman who displayed true southern manners. He will be greatly missed. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy and Ruth Welch; brothers, David Welch and W.W. “Wimpy” Welch; Sisters-in-law- Vivian Welch and Janice Welch; and his son’s mother, Pat Parker.

He is survived by his sons, Chris Welch and Scott (Dannielle) Welch of Perry, Fl; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sister, Ruth Anne (Ben) Bennett of Trenton, Fl. 

A graveside service for Billy will be held on Friday, August 30th at 11:00 A.M. at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Trenton, Fl. The family welcomes friends for a graveside visitation one hour prior at 10:00 A.M. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home, Trenton. www.WatsonMilton.com 352-463-8888