December 26, 1946 - March 25, 2025
Services for Mr. Gerald Wayne Welch were held 11:00 am, Saturday, March 29, 2025 at The First Baptist Church of Union. Dr. Jon Martin and Pastor Matthew Fancher officiated the service. Burial was held at Union City Cemetery.
Visitation began at 9:00 am prior to service.
Gerald Wayne Welch passed away on March 25, 2025 in Jackson, Mississippi, at the Select Specialty Belhaven Hospital.
Wayne was born in Union, Mississippi, on December 26, 1946. He attended Union School and participated in football and basketball. After graduation, in 1965, from Union High School, Wayne enlisted in the US Marine Corp., but due to health reasons was later discharged from service. Afterwards, he joined GM&O Railroad as a Depot Agent for several years. Later, Wayne joined his father in the family business and eventually founded Welch Forest Products.
He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Union.
In 1984, Wayne was elected as an Alderman At-Large for his beloved hometown of Union. He enjoyed serving in his capacity for a number of years and this led him to eventually being elected Mayor of Union for 12 years for a total of 36 years of public service.
He was an avid golfer and outdoorsman. “Pappy” will be missed by his grands: Emeri, Anne McCall, Whitt, and Brayden. He supported all of their activities from tea parties and birthdays to sporting and rodeo events.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Annette Driskell Welch; daughter, Alyson Welch Warren (Robbye); son, Bo Welch (Miranda); sisters, Sandra Welch McMahen (Steve) and Janice Welch White (Rodney); sister-in-law, Phyllis Driskell Doby (Clinton) and numerous nieces, nephews, and family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Margie McMullan Welch and Smith Ellis Welch; and brother, Billy Ellis Welch.
Pallbearers were Whitt Welch, Brayden Welch, Wayne Hunt, Dr. Jeff McCrary, Luke McMahen and Zac White
Honorary Pallbearers were "Golf Buddies" of Union Country Club and Robin Lane Neighbors
The family would like to express special thanks to the doctors and nursing staff of Baptist Hospital, Select Specialty Belhaven Hospital and Accent Home Health for their special and loving care.
Milling Funeral Home of Union was in charge of the arrangements.
Paid Obituary
