Lonnie Burton Welch, 82, passed away on Friday, February 15, 2013. He was a loving husband, wonderful father, and a very beloved granddad. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lon and Cordie Welch of Madison, FL. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Myrtice Woodard Welch of Vestavia Hills, Ala., and his brother, William (Bill) Langford Welch and his wife Nancy of Vestavia Hills, Ala. He is also survived by his sons: Greg Welch of Vestavia Hills, Ala., Gary (Lisa) Welch of Helena, Ala., and Wayne (Susan) Welch of Vestavia Hills, Ala.; his daughter, Rhonda (Steve) Anthony of Flower Mound, Tex.; eight grandchildren: Shane (Randi) Welch, Garrett Welch, Robert Welch, Amanda Welch, Ashley Welch, Mary Todd Anthony, Lilly Anthony, and Haleigh Frances Anthony; and many other beloved family members.
He was born on October 3, 1930 in Jacksonville. He was a graduate of Florida State University, where he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. He served in the United States Navy as a pilot on the U.S.S. Midway. He worked for GMAC for many years and later joined his brother at Industrial Chemicals, Inc. He was a member of York Rite Mason, Zamora Shriners, Royal Order of Jesters, and Shades Valley Rotary. He was ordained as a deacon at First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL. At the time of his death, he was an active member of the Truth Seekers Class at Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Vestavia Hills, Ala.
The family received friends on Monday, Feb. 18, 2013 from 1-2 p.m. at Southern Heritage Funeral Home. A funeral service followed at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Shades Mountain Baptist Church, 2017 Columbiana Road, Birmingham, AL 35216.
