It is with great sadness that the family of Billie Joe Welch announces his passing on July 30, 2025 at the age of 58 after a courageous battle with cancer. Billie was a United States Veteran serving in the Army National Guard for 9 years. He was a diesel mechanic by trade, an avid horse lover, and Harley bike rider enthusiast. He was of the Baptist faith and loved his family and friends. He was also a lover of “junk cars” and loved collecting them.

Preceded in death by parents, Arthur and Zola Welch; brothers, Jimmy Welch and Roger Welch; sisters, Lisa Barry and Louise Welch; and very special friend, William Hensley.

Survivors include his daughters, Eva (Morgan) Brooks and Holly (Alex) Ruta; sister, Shirley (Michael) Faulk; brother in-law, Jack Inman; granddaughters, Hayley (Marqus) Taylor and Jade Nichols (Kendall Tiller); nephews, Michael (Ashley), Kenny, Jimmy, Melvin “Jeffrey” (Tabbatha), Travas (Summer), Colby, Kashton, Jackson and Colton; nieces, Brittany, Nakeyia, Peyton, Tiffany and Raelyn; special friends, Gilbert Howard, Rusty (Tatar) Kelly, Andy Hensley, Sam Gentry and Sue Givens.

The family will have a private service at a later date.

You are encouraged to share a memory of Billie and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral & Cremation Service of Athens, TN, and the Cody family are honored to assist his family with these arrangements.