January 30, 50, 
Rev. James David Welch, 50, passed away on Monday, January 30, 2017 at Wayne Memorial Hospital.
David was born in Gaston County on November 17, 1966 to James David Welch Sr. and Jerrie Branch Welch of Stanley, NC. He was a man of incredible faith in God, hope for the world, and love for others. David began serving his Lord as a youth pastor with First Free Will Baptist Church in Bedford, VA and was currently serving as pastor of New Freedom Free Will Baptist Church in Turkey, NC. With his great love for the outdoors, David also owned and operated Carolina Siding and Gutters in Mount Olive. He will be remembered as a generous, caring, compassionate man and loyal friend to so many. Most importantly to David was his family. David worked so hard to make sure his wife and children were well taken care of. He was the best daddy and granddaddy who will be truly missed.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 2, 2017 from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at Faith Free Will Baptist Church followed by a service celebrating David’s life at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary with Rev. Christian Powell officiating. Interment will follow in Wayne Memorial Park.
In addition to his parents, David is survived by his wife 30 years, Lisa Wells Welch; children, Caleb and wife Amanda, Autumn, and Noah; grandson, Isaiah; sisters, Anna Lutz and Myra Allen; and brother, Josh Welch.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in David’s memory to the Lyme’s Disease Association, P.O. Box 1438, Jackson, NY 08527.
