Charles Edward "Eddie" Welch, age 67, of Taylor Road, Boone, passed away Thursday, June 30, 2022, at his home after an extended illness.

He was born to the late Arthur and Irene Townsend Welch on Christmas day, 1954. He was a "gift" to his family, friends, and many, many oil customers during his forty-four years at Appalachian Energy.

He is survived by his daughter, Linda Baird and husband Billy of Pineville, Kentucky; four grandchildren, Blake, Brittney, Ben and Brett Ricker, and their father David Ricker; and one great-grandson, Theo; three step-children, David Johnson and wife Carla, Kim Johnson and Loretta Denny and husband Matthew; four step-grandchildren, Amelia and Zane Johnson and Isaiah and Elizabeth Denny; one sister, Pat Townsend and husband JB; one brother, David Welch and wife Marilyn; one aunt, Flo Townsend of Conover and one brother-in-law, Hughie Johnson. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, cousins.

In addition to his father and mother he was preceded in death by his first wife, Karen Townsend Welch; his second wife, Betty Johnson Welch and one sister, Jeanette Johnson.

A memorial service for Eddie and Betty will be announced at a later date.

The family suggest that memorials be made to the Holy Communion Scholarship Fund c/o Mary Ellen Studstrup, 130 Winterberry Trail, Boone, North Carolina 28607.

Online condolences may be sent to the Welch family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.