Jesse Rayndle Welch, Sr.

Jesse R. Welch, Sr., a resident of Freeport, Florida passed away Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at the age of 72. He was born March 18, 1949, in Baskin, Louisiana to Grady and Velvia Welch, Sr.  Jesse moved his family thirty years ago from Berwick, Louisiana to Freeport, Florida after visiting friends and falling in love with the peaceful, quiet atmosphere the city offered.  He and his wife started a painting company, Cindy’s Painting Service, operating for about 25 years before starting another business, JRW Services, LLC, helping homeowners with maintenance. Jesse loved spending time with his family and supporting the New Orleans Saints and LSU.

He is preceded in death by two brothers, Grady M. Welch, Jr. and James D. Welch, Sr.; one sister, Alice Rigdon Crafts; and one grandchild, Blayton Welch.

Jesse is survived by his wife of 45 years, Cindy; four sons, John Grady and wife Belinda, Chris and wife Amanda, Brian and wife Johanna, and Jesse Welch, Jr.; one daughter, Beverly McFadden; twelve grandchildren, Kylee (Drew), Kelcee (Tommy), Reagan, Alyssa, Hadlee, Destiny (Kody), Elijah, Finley, Jesse Welch, III, Kaitlyn, Kalisa, and Layne; seven great-grandchildren, McKinley,  William, Wyatt, Renesame, Madyson (“Monkey”), Nevaeh, and Ryker; six brothers, Clyde, Simmie Ray, William, Timothy, Robert, and Jack; and three sisters, Mildred, Doris, and Leonia.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 2, 2021, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 1474 Highway 83 North, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433. Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 3, 2021, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Davis-Watkins. Committal services will follow in Hatcher Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Army.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.daviswatkins.com.

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home of DeFuniak Springs.