Alan Welch, Sr.

Gaffney, SC - - Alan Christopher Welch, Sr., 73, of 1635 W. Rutledge Avenue, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 4, 2024 at Spartanburg Medical Center.

Born in Lake City, SC, he was the husband of Teresa Catoe Welch and son of the late Alvin Jackson Welch and Sue Nell Bowers Welch.  Alan received his B.A. degree from the University of South Carolina and has been an avid supporter of Gamecock sports.  He received his Masters of Religious Education degree at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Alan coached basketball at Wofford College and Limestone University.  After his coaching career, he started his own business as a consultant and team building coach for corporations.  Alan finished his career working with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Emmaus Road Partners, both Christian-based ministries.  He created the Hank Parker Invitational Shoot to benefit several Christian charities and was a member of First Baptist Church in Gaffney where he taught Sunday School for over 40 years and where he was a life deacon.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Alan Christopher Welch, Jr. (Allison) of Charlotte, NC; a daughter, Courtney Ruminski (Greg) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; three brothers, Dean Welch (Beverly) of Murrells Inlet, SC, David Welch (Susan) of Yadkinville, NC and Jody Welch (Sandra) of Boiling Springs, SC; four grandchildren, Tripp Welch, Maggie Welch, Elle Ruminski and Luc Ruminski.

The family will receive friends from 2:30 PM until 3:45 PM on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at First Baptist Church.  Memorial services will immediately follow at 4:00 PM at the Church with Reverend Kevin Hampton and Reverend David Welch officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Emmaus Road Partners, P.O. Box 11578, Columbia, SC 29211.

The family will be at the residence, 1635 W. Rutledge Avenue, Gaffney, SC 29341.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC