Forest E. Welch

Pastor Forest E. Welch of Arnolds Creek, West Union, age 74 started rejoicing on the streets of Glory after departing this world at 3:45 AM on November 4, 2011. Forest was born on May 18, 1937 at Industrial. He was the son of the late Julia Davis and Boyd Welch Jr.

Forest is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty Myers Welch. He is survived by two daughters, Sonya (Dennis) Hayes, West Union, with whom he resided, and Angelica (Donnie) Shock of Industrial. Forest is also survived by three grandchildren, Denny (Jessy) Hayes and William Hayes, West Union, Amanda (Benjamin) Frix, Industrial. His pride and joys were his three great grandchildren, Kyla, Emily and Axl Hayes. He is also survived by Willard Cutright who Forest loved like a grandchild. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews that he loved like his own. Forest is also survived by his sister, Debbie (Charles) Gaskins and brothers, Allen (Neva) Welch, Robert (Regina) Welch, James (Sharon) Welch Johnny (Loraine) Welch and his brother-in-law, Glen Chipps. Also his brothers and sisters-in-laws, Jackie and Cecil McIntyre, Burley Kay Myers, and the late Sylvia and Robert Thornhill. He was preceded in death by his sister Mary Virginia Chipps and several nephews, Ronnie, Christopher, Allen, Nathaniel and Wayne Welch and Robbie Thornhill as well as two nieces, Amy and Theresa Welch.

God was always first in Forests life. He pastured McIntyre Baptist, Pleasant Valley Baptist and Liberty Baptist until he had to retire for health reasons. Forest enjoyed his Ham Radio and spending time with his animals. He will be deeply missed by his best friend, his dog, MoJo. Most of all Forest enjoyed time with his family. The highlight of every day was when his great-grandchildren came to tell him about their day and to share hugs and kisses.

Funeral services will be conducted in the Spurgeon Funeral Home 212 Front St. West Union on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 1:00PM with Pastor Jon Hayes presiding. Interment will follow in the Mt. Olive Baptist Church Cemetery, Salem. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel on Monday, November 7, 2011 from 2-8 PM and after 9AM on Tuesday until time of service.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.spurgeonfunerals.com. Spurgeon Funeral Home is privileged to serve the Welch family.

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