Mr. Bobby Gene Welch, 74, passed away December 9, 2019 at his home in Leflore, MS surrounded by family. He was born November 10, 1945 to Oscar William and Flora Rebecca Evans Welch. He was a devoted husband, dad, papa and friend. He was a faithful member of New Shilo Baptist Church in Blackhawk, MS. He also served as a Deacon for many years in his Christian walk with the Lord.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, "Sweetie" Mary Welch of Leflore; one son, Lynn Welch (Phyllis) of Holcomb; one daughter, Beckie Welch Gorman (Nathan) of Elaine, AR; one sister, Margaret Ward of Holcomb; one brother, Randy Welch(Linda) of Holcomb; 11 grandchildren, Everett Welch, Will Goff(Tiffany), Scottie Welch(Whitney), Jennie Hurst(Jake), Brittney Thomas(Markus) and Danielle Deaton(Clint); 10 great-grandchildren; and an "adopted daughter", Tina Griffith(Mark) of Elaine, AR.
He was a man of many talents, including the master fudge maker. Everyone was so excited to see this time of year because they knew fudge was in the making. He worked so hard as he done whatever it took to provide for his family. In his early years he worked with his Dad in a land clearing business. Later in life, he moved to Arkansas where he managed BCH Hardware and later became a farmer in the Delta. In 1990, he moved back to the Holcomb area and worked in the machine shop. He loved that shop and working with his hands. Everyone who knew him knew he always talked with his hands. There are many happy hunters out there that hunt from tripod stands he built with pride. He was also a retired bus driver from the Grenada School District, so not only was he "Papa" to his grands, but also to his church and bus kids. Papa always had a way of making everyone feel special and putting smiles on their faces. He was also the caretaker of the Float Road Hunting Club. He took such pride in that place, it was his happy place. So many friendships were born on that club.
He loved life and had such a loving spirit and humorous side.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Flora Welch; two sisters, Lula Young and Nettie Minyard and two brothers, Bud Welch and Charles Welch.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, December 12, 2019 at Enon Baptist Church in Grenada with Bro. Lynn Welch, Bro. Roy Bush and Bro. Nathan Gorman officiating. Interment will follow in the Leflore Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until service time Thursday at Enon Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Bailey, Clint Deaton, Will Goff, Anthony Henson, Jake Hurst, Marcus Thomas, Scottie Welch and Everett Welch. Honorary Pallbearers will be member of the Float Road Hunting Club, Jerry Carey, Dale Goss, David Harper, Nic Minyard and Tony Silva.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate Gideon Bibles so others may hear the Gospel or to the LeBonheur/Fed Ex Family House, in honor of Bobby Welch, P.O. Box 41817; Memphis, TN 31874-1817 or online at www.fedexfamilyhouse.org/give.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).