F. R. (Tubby) Welch, 88, passed away in the early hours of Thursday, May 9, 2019. He was born on June 2, 1930 in Panama City (St. Andrews), Florida. He served in the U.S. Navy and upon his discharge came home to marry the love of his life, Betty Post Welch, in 1954. He worked as a fireman early on in their marriage until being hired with the US Postal Service. He retired from the Postal Service as the best letter carrier in 1985. After Betty died in 2009, he found his 2nd chance at love and married Eliese Moore Welch in 2012 (he always said Never say Never!) He was a member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church.
Tubby is survived by his loving wife, Eliese; his two daughters, Sharon Hicks (Junior) and Sheila Merritt (Randy); Eliese's children and their families, Margo Williams (Chris), Gordon Moore (Janice), and Michael Moore (Lisa); three grandchildren, Justin Pepin, Meredith West (Randy) and Russell Hicks; two great grandchildren, Tucker West and Camille West and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty P. Welch; parents, Tom and Ettie Welch; his sisters, Pauline Zummak and Norma Jean Warriner and his brothers, Tommy, Clayton and Billy Welch.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home with Dr. Robert F. Crider and Rev. John Blount officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew United Methodist Church Building Fund, 2001 West 11th Street, Panama City, FL 32401.