Welch
JESUP, Ga. — Royce Welch, 89, of Jesup, Ga. died Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
The Ware County native and former resident had lived in Wayne County the past 46 years and was an active member of Golden Rulers Sunday School Class and lifetime deacon of Jesup First Baptist Church. Welch was a 42year retired ITT Rayonier employee, a much-loved Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home employee and a fantastic handyman and jack-of-all trades.
His love of football led him to support the Wayne County Touchdown Club and watch his grandsons play for the Wayne County Yellow Jackets and University of Georgia Bulldogs. Welch also liked a good baseball game, especially the Braves. Anything his children and grandchildren participated in, you could count on Royce being there to cheer them on. His gift of service was his love language.
Welch’s parents, James Lester and Delorie Jane Carter Welch, preceded him in death along with his brother, Larry, and sister, Carolyn Welch Tucker.
Survivors are a wife of 67 years, Diane Driskell Welch of Jesup; daughter, Gerri Rozar of Douglas, daughter, Dana (Tol) Wade of Medina, Ohio, son, Jimmy (Lynnah) Welch of Jesup and daughter, Kay (Carey) Surrency of Jesup; six grandchildren, Justin (Jen) Wade, Erin Wade, Parker Welch, Glenn (Savannah) Welch, Sam Surrency and Griffin (Ellie Townsend) Surrency; three great grandchildren, Kyle, Emma and Nathan Wade, and one on the way, William Welch; a brother, Harry (Betty Ruth) Welch of Valdosta; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Sunday at Rinehart Chapel with Pastor Brooks Haddock officiating. Interment followed in the Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers were his Sunday school class and the deacons of Jesup First Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jesup First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1115, Jesup, 31598.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge of arrangeme nts.
