Harry W. Welch Sr., 86, of Valdosta, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Langdale Hospice House. He was born on April 13, 1939, in Waycross, Georgia, to the late James Lester Welch and Delora Jane Carter Welch.

He grew up in Waycross and graduated from Waycross High School in 1957. During high school, he met and began dating Betty Ruth Hough. They were married in Waycross on November 2, 1958, and shared 67 years of marriage.

Harry began working with Sutton Printing in Waycross before joining Southern Bell in the mid-1960s. In 1972, Southern Bell relocated him and his family to Valdosta. He remained with the company until his retirement in 1991, after 27 years of service.

Harry and Betty were devoted members of First Baptist Church and played an integral role in helping establish a mission church that became Perimeter Road Baptist Church in 1986. As charter members, they have remained faithful and active for 40 years. They were also very active in foreign mission work through Perimeter Road Baptist Church, especially in Central America, with a primary focus on Nicaragua.

Harry’s favorite pastime was coaching and attending youth sporting events with his sons, grandchildren, and children throughout the community. He also spent time supporting the Valdosta High School wrestling team. Known as “Big Papa” to his grandchildren, Harry loved being outdoors, hunting and fishing with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their family farm.

He was deeply loved by his family and cherished by all who knew him, and his legacy of faith and love will continue to live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Harry is survived by his wife, Betty Ruth Welch of Valdosta; his sons and daughters-in-law, Harry Wiley “Tag” Welch, Jr. and Janet Welch, and Teddy Wayne “Ted” Welch, Sr. and Sherri Welch, all of Valdosta; his grandchildren, Kathryn (Frankie) Cochran of Valdosta, Harry Wiley "Will" Welch III (Jenna) of Atlanta, Wesley James Welch (Abby) of Washington, D.C., Teddy Wayne Welch, Jr. (Everley) of Valdosta, and Addison Tate Welch of Valdosta; his great-grandchildren, Daisy (Andrew) Caruana, John David Catlett, Mary Kathryn Cochran, Browning Cochran, Seth Cochran, Hattie Welch, Harry “Hudson” Welch IV, Ellison Welch, Harper Welch, Penelope Welch, Walton Teddy Welch, and Lottie Welch; and one great-great-grandchild, Betty Belle Caruana. The family is deeply grateful to Sharee Williams for her compassionate care, kindness, and unwavering support. Harry also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews, along with dear brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law who will cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his brother Royce Welch, twin brother Larry Welch, and his sister, Carolyn Tucker.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff and administrators of Langdale Hospice House and South Georgia Hospice for their compassionate care, dignity and support shown to us.

A funeral service for Harry will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Perimeter Road Baptist Church. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Monday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Carson McLane Funeral Home.

Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to Kings Church DC in Washington, D.C. (www.KingsChurchDC.com) Online condolences and memories may be shared on the obituary page at (www.mclanecares.com).

Carson McLane Funeral Home