Gerald Douglas Welch, 77, of Anderson, SC, died on Thursday, January 17, 2019. He was born in Washington, DC, the son of Maimo Cain Welch and Warren Douglas Welch. He attended Baylor University for his undergraduate and earned a Masters from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he met his wife, Nancy. After marrying, they moved to California, where he earned a Doctorate of Divinity at Claremont Theological Seminary. Dr. Welch was the pastor of Wise Baptist Church for 4 years in Wise, VA, where all three of the Welch children were born: Elizabeth, Lynn and Doug. He came to Anderson 41 years ago and joined the Family Counseling Center as a Pastoral Counselor. He then opened Anderson Pastoral Counseling with his wife, Nancy, where he worked until 2012, when he was no longer able, due to Alzheimer's. He was on the Board of the Alzheimer's Association and the Board of the Anderson School for Lay Theology, where he recently was honored as a Board Member Emeritus for his 30 plus years of service. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his brother, Michael; his children, Elizabeth, Lynn (Ross), and Doug (Danielle); one grandson, Lachlan and his beloved dog, Cole.Jerry was a passionate, outspoken man who was full of life and laughter, even with the difficulties of Alzheimer's in his last 10 years. He had a deep love of learning, social justice and his work as a therapist and pastoral counselor. He also loved trains and shared many adventures with his friends and family. He will be deeply missed, and we are grateful for the time we had with him. Services will be held at Grace Episcopal Church on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 with a reception in the church parlor at 2:00 pm and the funeral beginning at 3:00pm with The Rev. Father John B. Hardaway, IV officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 4124 Clemson Blvd, Suite L, Anderson, SC 29621 or to Rhodes Respite Care, First Presbyterian, 302 W. Whitner Street, Anderson, SC 29624. Events Visitation Wednesday, January 23, 2019 2:00PM - 3:00PM Grace Episcopal Church 711 S McDuffie St Anderson, SC 29624 Phone: 864-225-8011 Memorial service Wednesday, January 23, 2019 3:00PM Grace Episcopal Church 711 S McDuffie St Anderson, SC 29624 Phone: 864-225-8011