Jimmy Russell Welch, born in Minden, Texas on July 17, 1939 to W. J. & Verdie M. Welch. Married to his soul-mate, Sheila (Andress) for 57 good and blessed years. He has been a faithful follower of Jesus Christ for all of his adult life, being a deacon since 1984 until his passing; was so willing to help anyone who had a need, a pleasure to be around. Loved building churches with “Builders for Christ,” currently known as “Volunteer Christian Builders.” Truly loved serving His Savior in any capacity. Was instrumental in the founding of SilverOaks Baptist Church as one of the original seven founding members. He worked as Building Superintendent during process from the clearing of the land to the building of the first building. He served on the Orange County Drainage District Board of Directors from November, 1978 to May, 1998. He also proudly served his country through service in the National Guard and was honorably discharged on February 28, 1969. He retired from DuPont Sabine River Works with 38 years of service.

He was a devoted husband to Sheila who has been his soul-mate all these years. Completely and deeply devoted to his children, Lonna Harris, (Jerry) and Bryan Russell, (Tana). Nothing pleased him more than being able to be with them and do for them. He truly adored his grandchildren; Ryne Harris, Carrie, Gennie, and Torrie Welch. When they called out “Papaw,” he was ready, willing, and able to honor their request and spend precious time with them, making beautiful memories.

He is survived by siblings, Jane Williams of Tyler, Texas, Larry Welch, (Sharron) of Orange, Texas, and Gloria Garber, (Howard) of San Antonio, Texas. Sister-in-law, Bobbie Welch. He loved his family, including cousins, nieces, nephews, and his very close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, W. J. &Verdie M. Welch, his sister, Frances Lock, brother, Billy J. Welch, and in-laws, F. M. & Blanche Stephenson, and E. R. “Dague” & Mabel Andress.

The visitation is at Claybar Funeral Home, Orange, Texas on Monday, August 6, 2018, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The funeral service is at SilverOaks Baptist Church, 14640 FM 1442, Orange, Texas on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Family Grave Side Service will follow at Zion Hill, Henderson, Texas at 5:30 p.m.

The family would like to extend a very big thank you to the nurses, aides, and staff of The Meadows Nursing Home – they were kind, compassionate, and loving to him throughout his illness.

Serving as pallbearers will be Fred Copeland, Lynn Welch, Prentice Scarber, Roy Roberts, Garry Winder, and John Bergene. Honorary pallbearers are the Deacons of SilverOaks Baptist Church and special friends, Mike Trahan and Moody Breaux.