Dr. Jerry Wayne Welch

Doctor Jerry Wayne Welch, 81, of Ellisville, MS affectionately known as “Grandoc” entered eternal rest Saturday, June 22, 2024, at his home in Ellisville, MS, with his wife and sons by his side. Jerry was born on August 13, 1942 and was a lifelong resident of Laurel. A couple of accolades he was especially proud of, so the stories go, is that he was the City of Laurel ping pong champion at the age of 13 and a competitive dancer on channel 7 WDAM Saturday Dance Party. He was a 1961 graduate of George S. Gardner High School where he was an All-State basketball guard, leading scorer and self-declared “inventor of the three pointer”. He signed a basketball scholarship and attended the University of Southern Mississippi from 1961 - 1965 studying pre-medicine. He attended the University of Mississippi Medical School from 1965 - 1969 and then served two years in the Army Seventh Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, NC. He returned to Laurel to practice Family Medicine at Boone Clinic for three years before deciding to specialize in Obstetrics and Gynecology which he completed at Louisiana State University. He returned to Laurel to start his own practice. His first delivery was the mayor’s grandson and proceeded to deliver over 6,000 babies in his career. He finished his medical career at MEA Medical Clinic with over 50 years of service to his profession and the community. Grandoc was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, skeet shooting, crossword puzzles, and gardening. He loved canning green beans, pickles, making salsa, and delicious Mayhaw jelly. His appreciation for the great outdoors was nothing compared to the love he had for his family and community; always greeting with a hug and a smile. He was preceded in death by his mother Willie Mae Matthews, father Ward Oree Welch, brother Jimmy Dale Welch, and wife Pam Welch. He is survived by his wife Kris Welch of Ellisville, MS; children Juli (George) Openshaw of Raleigh, NC; Wyatt (Gina) Welch of Saucier, MS; Duncan (Heather) Welch of Madison, MS; M’Lee (Herb) Davis of Big Sky, MT; sister Bobbie Faye Powell of Big Creek, MS; cousin and best friend Ronnie (Roxanne) Windham of Metairie, LA; stepchildren Danielle Herrington and Brandon Gregory of Laurel, MS; grandchildren John and Wells Openshaw; Aubrey, Ella, and Ryan Welch; Gray (Jerianna), Tristan (April), Aidan, Davis, and Jack Finley Welch; Dudley and Thaddeus Davis; Ryne and Jasper Herrington; Ethan and Chloe Gregory; three great grandchildren Poppy Welch, Easton Welch, and Kaisley DeLoach; numerous nieces and nephews; and beloved German Shepherd Sophie. Services will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Laurel, MS on Saturday, June 29, 2024. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. A celebration of life immediately after the service in the parish hall. Private interment will occur at a later date at the Welch-Graham Family Cemetery. Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel, MS is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the American Cancer Society. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Dr. Jerry Wayne Welch

August 13, 1942 - June 22, 2024