William Odell Welch

William Odell Welch, 79, of Blakely, GA, passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on December 2, 1942, to Eunice Earl and Lannie Oakley Welch. He was the fifth of twelve children. Odell was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1964 and enjoyed regularly attending meetings at the local Kingdom Hall. He married Susie Carolyn Tye in 1965 and together they raised four children. Odell retired from the city of Blakely electrical department, at age 57. He enjoyed spending his time fishing, hunting, camping, and searching for Indian relics. Odell was a loving father and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren who affectionally knew him as “Paw Paw.” Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, J.D. Bud Welch and Homer Welch, and three sisters, Merle Hodges, Betty Hodges, Dean Evans. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Susie and four children: Phillip Welch and wife Shannon of Blakely, GA, Lydia Cochran and husband Ray of Ashford, AL, Stephen Welch and wife Gabbie of Lucille, GA, and Andrew Welch and wife Molly of Sandy Springs, GA; seven grandkids Chris Downing, Lexy McCorkle and husband Cameron, Alex, Avery, Tye, Graham, and Hannah Welch; two great grandchildren William Mark Downing and Maverick McCorkle; and siblings Freddie Welch, Gary Welch and wife Diane, Sandy Gipson, Debbie Cloud, Ronnie Welch and wife Jennifer, Eddie Welch. Services will be held at the local Kingdom Hall on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at 3 PM EST. All friends and family are welcome to attend. The family will receive guests directly after the service at the Welch residence.