Charles Jerome Welborn “Jerry”
Charles Jerome Welborn, “Jerry,” 85, of McCalla, Al, never missed going to church on Sunday. September 3, 2023, was the same. Surrounded by loved ones, he entered God’s presence instead of a building, welcomed by saints, angels, and loved ones. He finally saw God face to face at 12:35 a.m.
He was born on June 20, 1938, in Evansville, Indiana, to John L. and Louise Ashby Welborn. Raised by a single mom and a praying grandmother, he had very humble beginnings.
He graduated from Central High School (Evansville, Indiana) in 1956, where he excelled in basketball and track. After graduation, he entered the U.S. Navy, serving for four years. While stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, one night, he heard music from the church down the road. He said, “I’ m going there Sunday.”; Over a few years, families in the Glenrock Church of God invited this sailor into their home. They loved on him, fed him, and made a safe community there for him. God became the Father and Friend to the fatherless and friend and radically changed his life. There, he met Lorrie, the love of his life. They married in April 1960 and went on to have three children.
The impact of that community of believers is how he modeled his life. He was relational – one on one. He learned to love and trust. He lived a faithful life to God, his wife, his family, and his church. Through the years, he and his wife invited people into their home just as others welcomed him. He loved people well. He served the church in various capacities: teacher, Sunday School superintendent, a greeter who always reached out to first-time visitors, and an elder. His passion was people, remembering names and stories, and supporting missionaries worldwide. He loved music and the St. Louis Cardinals. His sales career in the heating and air conditioning profession spanned Illinois and Virginia.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, John L. Welborn and his mother, Louise Jones, his sister Janet Boehman, and his son, Timothy D. Welborn. He is survived by His wife of sixty- three years, Lorrie, and children, Dr. Michael Welborn (Tena) and Sheryl Byars (Randy). He was known as Papa to his five grandchildren: Amber Welborn Foster (Josh), Pastor Derek Welborn (Jill), Jennifer Byars, Dr. April Byars Calderon (Jon), and Jamie Byars Davis (Chris); and his
eight grandchildren: John Rhett Foster, Reese Foster, Hannah Davis, Charlotte Calderon, Aiden Calderon, Jaymes Welborn, Gray Welborn, and Olivia Davis. He is also survived by a host of other family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Pelham Church of God on Saturday, September 23rd , at 2:00 p.m.
Instead of flowers, the family asks that you please consider donating to the Pelham Church of God, where monies will go to provide Christmas for children worldwide.
Such a wonderful saint and ambassador for Christ. Always a smile and heartfelt hug or handshake. Sure will miss him every Sunday.
We love y’all so much! What a great legacy!
Jerry (“Mr. Welborn” to me) was a beloved figure in my life. He never missed a Sunday at church. He welcomed and greeted everyone, and was just a friendly person to strangers. I appreciated his hospitality. He and his wife, Lorrie, invited me to their home on Thanksgiving. It was good. I got to know him during my time in Virginia and felt at home with him. He loved the Cardinals and the Steelers. I loved the Cubs and the Bears. We always got into it with the Cards and Cubs. But I will never forget his friendly nature, his hospitality, and his sense of humor.
My time in Virginia was a very lonely time. But Jerry was a friend to me. Even though we came from different generations and cultures, we established a connection and a friendship. Rest in peace, dear friend. I’ll see you in the great ball field in the sky.
Praying for the family. Truly, heaven gets sweeter and sweeter. Praying that God blankets your entire family in His peace and love.
Such a beautiful and respectful way to honor a great man. Our love goes out to everyone along with prayers of comfort for all.
Jerry and Lorrie are two of the most wonderful people that I know. I met them back in the 90’s when my brother-in-law was sick. They were at the hospital every day for weeks at a time. They are true examples of what a Christian should be and live like.
What a day of rejoicing that must have been, but we will miss you here on earth. (I won’t miss that Donald Duck impression, though. Hahaha.) What a wonderful and welcoming guy he was to all who knew him. Much love to the family. Much love to Lorrie.
One thing missing from this is singing in the choir at Azalea Garden Church. He was such a great choir member-always kept us smiling (or laughing). I’m so glad Bob and I got to know him on this earth & we will look for him in that choir of voices in heaven joining with the angels singing praise to our Great God! My condolences and love to Lorrie and family at this time.
I haved loved Jerry since I was 8 yrs old! He was always so sweet and I was blown away that this good looking soldier paid this little girl so much attention. He knew how to make you feel special! I know he is rejoicing with all the family in Heaven!!! Love you Lorrie, Mike , Cheryl and all the family!
I am so sorry . He was a great man of God . RIP .