William "Bill" Welch August 24, 1939 – June 25, 2026

If some rocks need to be moved and ditches need to be cleared in Heaven, an angel has arrived to take on the task. There's nothing Bill Welch loved more than to get outside, work on his land and clean up around the place.

William "Bill" Welch, 86, of Valle Crucis was born on August 24, 1939, to Bynum Estes and Annie Ruth (Smith) Welch. A lifelong resident of the Valle Crucis and Matney communities, Bill was proud to be one of the few locals still thriving on Dutch Creek.

Family left to honor his memory include brothers Louis Welch (Evelyn) and Ernest Welch; stepson Robert Francey (Sheri) and stepdaughter Rebecca Francey (Johnny); step grandchildren Zac Francey and Danielle Walker; nieces Laurie Perkins and Kim Evans (Jessica); great nephew and niece Jordan Brown and Katie Perkins.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Will Francey and former wife Marilyn Welch; sister Anne Welch Culler (Dewey); nephews Kenneth Evans and Ted Welch; niece Tammy Wolfe.

Bill also had many good friends he considered family, including those who lovingly called him "Grampster." If you knew him, count yourself lucky. If he liked you, he'd say so when your name came up in conversation, often with a nod to being the smartest, kindest or just plain ol' "good person."

Among the many moments in Bill's life he fondly recalled were the times he spent as a supply service specialist in the U.S. Air Force from 1963–1967. He was stationed at Castle Air Force Base in California, where also he enjoyed riding his motorcycle and exploring Yosemite National Park.

Bill was well known for his wallpaper and painting skills by interior designers in Watauga and adjoining counties. With these skillsets, Bill worked for, and retired from, Appalachian State University. He was head of the paint department and anyone who worked with him knew his meticulous nature meant a job well done and done right. If you needed a hand, painting or otherwise, it was almost certain that Bill would be right there to offer one with a bunch of his famous asparagus in the other.

Of all of Bill's biggest achievements in life, helping to raise his grandson Will was most certainly at the top. Losing him far too soon weighed heavy on his heart every day since his passing.

If you asked Bill how he was doing all the way up until his last days, he'd say "damn near perfect," even if you knew he couldn't possibly feel that way. But that's how we'd like to remember Bill, as damn near perfect and now at peace.

Bill's celebration of life will take place on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Holy Cross Episcopal Church with a reception to follow in Skiles Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Amorem Hospice, whose care and compassion brought comfort to Bill in his last days.

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

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service in charge of the arrangements.