Royce Welch, 89, of Jesup, Ga. died Wednesday, October 16, 2024.  The Ware County native and former resident had lived in Wayne County the past 46 years and was an active member, Golden Rulers Sunday School Class and lifetime deacon of Jesup First Baptist Church.  Royce was a 42-year retired ITT Rayonier employee, a much-loved Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home employee and a fantastic handyman and jack of all trades.  His love of football led him to support the Wayne County Touchdown Club and watch his grandsons play for the Wayne County Yellow Jackets and Georgia Bulldogs.  He also liked a good baseball game, especially the Braves.  Anything his children and grandchildren participated in, you could count on Royce being there to cheer them on.  His gift of service was his love language.  His parents, James Lester and Delorie Jane Carter Welch preceded him in death along with his brother, Larry and sister, Carolyn Welch Tucker.

Survivors are a wife of 67 years, Diane Driskell Welch of Jesup; daughter, Gerri Rozar of Douglas, daughter, Dana (Tol) Wade of Medina, Ohio, son, Jimmy (Lynnah) Welch of Jesup and daughter, Kay (Carey) Surrency of Jesup; 6 grandchildren, Justin (Jen) Wade, Erin Wade, Parker Welch, Glenn (Savannah) Welch, Sam Surrency and Griffin (Ellie Townsend) Surrency; 3 great grandchildren, Kyle, Emma and Nathan Wade and one on the way, William Welch; a brother, Harry (Betty Ruth) Welch of Valdosta; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 2 PM Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Rinehart Chapel with Pastor Brooks Haddock officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be his Sunday school class and the deacons of Jesup First Baptist Church.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jesup First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1115, Jesup, GA 31598.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.