Wilson Welch

November 19, 2018

A funeral service for Bro. Wilson Welch, age 90, of Jacksonville, was held at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, Friday, November 16, 2018 at Beall Chapel Baptist Church in Jacksonville. Lee Welch, Robert Simpson, and Johnny Hailes will officiate. He will be laid to rest at Still Waters Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Jacksonville.

He passed away Monday, November 12, 2018, in Jacksonville.

Wilson was born July 7, 1928, in Colorado City, Texas to the late O.D and Clara (Carlyle) Welch.

He pastored for over 60 years in Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas, and Texas. In Texas, he pastored in Brownsboro, Gilmer, Ironton, and other East Texas Baptist Churches.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Merle Welch and brothers, Roy Welch and Sherman Welch.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Lee Welch and wife Marolyn of Jacksonville, and Mark H. Welch of Dallas; daughters, Ruth Ann Hailes and husband Johnny of Greenville and Debra Welch of Queen City, TX. He is also survived by a sister, Ruth Gates of Florida; seven grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Mark R. Welch, Clay Petzold, Adam Hailes, Patrick Thorman, Chris Colbey, Brad Tyson, Bruce Hagins and Joe Phillips.

Visitation was held on Thursday, November 15, 2018, and friends were cordially invited to visit with Bro. Wilson’s family from 6 to 8 o’clock in the evening at Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville.

His family always knew him as a faithful servant of God. He boldly shared his faith and was known to unexpectedly break into singing a gospel hymn (even though he was not known as a vocalist).

The family would like to thank Dr. Ford and the caregivers at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital and The Angelina House Assisted Living.

Rather than customary condolences, memorials may be made to The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering at www.imb.org.