Roy Dee Welch

Roy Dee Welch of Greenacres, Florida, passed away May 12, 2023. He was born July 16, 1934 in Rising Starr, Texas to John W. and Maudie V. Welch.

Roy grew up in Freer, Texas, where he became fascinated  with anything and everything related to airplanes. He was often seen flying his remote control airplanes wherever he lived. He also loved to tinker with electronics, which led him to a career working with Lockheed as a subcontractor to NASA, where supported many aspects of NASA's Apollo program, which landed American astronauts on the moon. He also worked for Southwest Research in San Antonio, Texas, where he was involved with many research projects, including supporting numerous rocket launches at Alaska's North Slope. Roy also loved to tinker. He would find a broken TV, laptop, or other device and was always felt challenged to get it working again. He also never lost his initial love of working on mechanical things like cars and motorcycles. He also enjoyed being on the water, which led him to sailing, which ultimately resulted in his moving to Florida where he, Gloria and friends would sail to many of their favorite spots along the Florida coast.

Roy was a Master Mason and a founding member of Masonic Lodge # 1416 in Friendswood, Texas.

Roy is survived by his wife, Gloria, of 36 years, and their son, Richard and his wife Maria of San Antonio, Texas. And from a previous marriage to Elizabeth (Betty) Strahan, he is survived by sons Randy and wife Sharon of Friendswood, Texas, Dennis and wife Kathy of Elgin, Texas, and Scott and wife Lorrie of Hobbs, New Mexico, brother Don Welch and wife Linda of Fairfield, Texas as well as a multitude of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Roy often mentioned one of his favorite memories being when sons Randy and Dennis, along with their friend, Bill, would entertain the neighborhood with their rock and roll garage band. His favorite part was when the neighbors showed up with their shovel, axes and guns with the police close behind to express just how much they were enjoying the windows rattling in their homes.

Roy was dearly loved and will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to The American Heart Association  or any charity of your choice.

A private visitation will be held at Tillman Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service and interment at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in West Palm Beach, Florida at 3:00 p.m. on May 20, 2023.