Douglas Edward Welch

Mr. Douglas Edward “Doug” Welch, age 79, of Sandersville, died Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at his residence following a lengthy illness.  A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 15 ^th at 2:00 p.m. at White Oak Church with burial in the church cemetery.  Reverend Brian Welch and Reverend Dewey Henderson will officiate.   Pallbearers will be Gerald Lord, Richard Welch, Tommy Cowart, Ronald Norris, Chance Jackson, Gene Welch, Johnnie Welch, and Jay Williford.   Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Duggan, Eugene Griswell, members of the Klassic Kountry Band and Washington County Gospel Band along with their spouses.

Douglas was born and reared in Washington County, the son of the late Gladys R. Welch and the late Lois Frazier Welch.  He is predeceased by his first wife, Joyce Smith Welch, sister, Francine W. Wicker and nephew, Wilbur Williford.  Douglas spent his working career in the Kaolin Industry retiring from Thiele Kaolin Company as maintenance foreman after 40 years of service.  He was an active member of White Oak Church, where he took an active part in the music program often using his guitar. A self-taught guitarist, Doug possessed a great appreciation for gospel and country music, singing gospel and inspirational music at different churches and as a member of the “Parables”. For many years, he enjoyed performing at “Swamp Land” in Toomsboro.  Douglas served his country in the US Army stationed in Germany and Texas followed by service in the Georgia National Guard.  He was a member of the Hamilton Masonic Lodge #58 and a member of the Gideons International.

Survivors include his wife, Charlotte H. Prosser Welch; step son, Steven Prosser and his wife Marie; step grandsons, Joshua and Benjamin Prosser all of North Carolina and nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will be at their residence on Riddleville Road and they will receive friends on Wednesday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at May and Smith Funeral Home in Sandersville.

Donations may be made to White Oak Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Rev. Dewey Henderson, 523 Kittrell Creek Road or to Gideons International P.O. Box 891, both in Sandersville, GA. 31082.

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.
www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com