Paul Christopher "Chris" Welch

Paul Christopher Welch, better known as Chris, age 55, of Todd, passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.

Chris was born in Watauga County to Lillian Parsons Welch and Paul Oakley Welch. He grew up in Todd, surrounded by his mother’s family. Those who helped shape Chris included his grandfather “Pap” Worth Parsons, grandmother “Nan” Mable Parsons, aunt Alma Jean Parsons, and uncle James Parsons. His cousin Kathy was more like a sister to him, and he loved to tease and pick on her.

This close-knit family loved each other deeply and warmly welcomed Chris’s wife, Debbie, in 1987. Chris and Debbie were blessed with two daughters: Elizabeth “Lizi” in 1990 and Kathryn “Katie” in 2003.

Chris loved living in Todd. As a young teenager, he joined the fire department as it was just beginning as a junior firefighter. As soon as he turned 18, he became a firefighter. Not only was he active, but he also became Chief at that same year a role he held for 30 years. He was very proud to grow the fire department from operating with outdated, used trucks to having brand-new apparatus and equipment. In addition to his fire service, Chris also spent 17 years in law enforcement.

Chris is survived by his wife of 37 years, Debbie Welch; his daughters, Lizi Welch (JD Worthing) of Laurel Bloomery, TN, and Katie Welch of West Jefferson; and three grandchildren, Hayley, Riley, and James Christopher “JC,” all of Laurel Bloomery, TN.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at South Fork Baptist Church in Todd, officiated by Rev. J.D. Walton. Burial will follow in the Howell Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to the family c/o Ashelawn Memorial Chapel, 3470 US Hwy 221 North, Jefferson, NC 28640, or through their GoFundMe page.