Billy Joe Welch, Sr.

Billy Joe Welch Sr., 70, of China Spring, passed away Thursday, June 12th, 2014, six days shy of his 71st birthday.

GRAVESIDE SERVICES:      10AM, Thursday, June 19, in China Spring Cemetery, 17000 Old China Spring Rd, 76633
VISITATION:                                9AM, 1 hour before start of service, Thursday, June 19, in China Spring Cemetery

Billy was born June 20, 1943, son of  Willie and Hellen (Kelley) Welch, in Belton, Texas.  He was united in marriage to Nieta Huggins on October 21st, 1980 in Tyler, not long after meeting each other at a truck stop where she was the driven and determined waitress, and he was the handsome devil in the corner, peeling potatoes and getting in her way. This October, they would have celebrated their 34th Anniversary. He earned a living as a truck driver, be it long-haul down the open roads, or delivery locally, and even drove an Ice Cream  truck through local neighborhoods, enticing children everywhere with the promises of cold treats, lured in by the jolly music blasting from the truck. Billy was the type of soul who lived many lifetimes in one, his jobs taking him and his family all over the country in search of adventure as a driver for various carnivals traveling across the country entertaining the masses and working hard for his family to make a good living.

Billy was best classified as your typical “Good Ol’ Boy”. He enjoyed watching television, particularly sports and movies, listening to music, remodeling and doing a little woodworking, and tinkering with automobiles of all kinds as a hobby. He was a Bull Rider for some time over a period of 7 years, just for the heck of it. Billy had a wonderful demeanor, and a great sense of humor, even up until the final days of his battle with cancer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lee Franklin; sister, Hellen; and one son, James Edward Welch.

He is survived by his darling wife, Nieta Welch of China Spring; two sons, W.S. Holliday, Sr. and wife Christina of Joplin, MO, and Billy Welch, Jr. and wife Marizela of Waco; seven grandchildren, Sulema, Destiny, Joseph, Alexis, Angel, Billy III, and Will; four great-grandchildren, Angel, Ricardo, J.B., Isaiah, and Isaac; his best fur-buddy, Chris, the dog; as well as many nieces, nephews, and  other family members and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Texas Home Health Hospice, as well as to Texas Oncology, and Providence Hospital.

Memorials in honor of Billy may be made to Community Cancer Association.

Place of Service: China Spring Cemetery , 17000 Old China Spring Rd,; China Spring, TX 76633