Bill Welch, 91, passed away Friday, December 23, 2022, at the North MS Medical Center. He was born June 2, 1931, in Ripley to Ira and Edith Graves Welch. He served his country during the Korean War. He enlisted with the United States Navy when he was 17. After his stint with the Navy, he served in the United States Army for two years. He started his career with AT&T and worked for them for 31 years. He then started his on company, Advanced Communications. He partnered with his wife and sons and started Sunshine Health Food Store in 1982. He was an accomplished pilot and built his on experimental plane. He enjoyed rebuilding old cars. He was a Baptist.

Services will be 11 AM Monday, December 26, 2022, at Lee Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Gary Gray officiating. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park. Lee Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

He is survived his son, Bruce Welch (Glenda) of Belden; one sister, Pat Herrington (Perry) of Ripley; one brother, Jimmy Welch (Joyce) of Lakeland; two grandchildren, Glacia Boyd (Matt) and Catharine Holland (Connor); three great-grandchildren, Ivy Arnold, Astan Boyd and Kuiper Holland; a special friend, Annie Inmon; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beverly Welch; a son, Mark Welch; two sisters, Nidle Wiseman and Jaime Rice.

Pallbearers will be James Winters, Roger Brown, Gary Harrington, Daniel McCullough, Paul Bouchillon and Jared Martin.

Memorials may be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.