Tom Welch, age 84, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025, under the exceptional care of Four Seasons Hospice and the Elizabeth House.

Tom was born in Franklin to the late Thomas Paul Welch and Nell Duvall Welch. He worked for General Motors in the Atlanta area for 30 years before retiring back to his hometown of Franklin. As a child, he was a part of the Iotla Baptist and Burningtown Baptist church families.

Although Tom had a remarkable work ethic, he found joy in the quiet of his garden, in the thrill of bating his hook, and in the peacefulness of watching the birds.

Tom could often be found in his overalls, tools in his pockets, tinkering on cars. With an engineer's brain, he could solve most any problem- mechanical or otherwise.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a stepson, Ricky Glen Layman.

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Shirley Welch; two children, Greg Welch and Paula Welch Rodgers, both of Franklin; granddaughter, Zoie Cait Rodgers; three step children, Rita Pither (Skip) of Jackson, GA, Mickey Layman (Kim) and Kenny Layman (Katie), both of Cumming, GA; step daughter in law, Donna Layman of Chatsworth, GA; brother, Patrick Welch(Gail); sister, Dency Dailey(Tim); step grandchildren, Autumn Watson (Randy), Jeremiah Day (Stacy), Paul Cunningham (Kirsten), Josh Layman, Chad Layman, Jade Seagraves (Robby), Stevie Delorco (Vinny), Colby Layman, Hunter Layman, Jason Magagna (Faith), and Michael Layman (Kaitlyn). He is also survived by many step great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and his faithful canine companion, Lucy.

The family will receive friends from 1-3:00 P.M. on Saturday March 8th at Macon Funeral Home. Interment will be private.

Memorials may be directed to Four Seasons Hospice.