Samuel Luther Welch

Samuel “Sam” Luther Welch, 73, of Lexington, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center after a period of declining health.

A homegoing celebration will be held at 2:00 PM, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Grace Baptist Church with Rev. Keith Hudak, Rev. Josh Harvey, Hon. Mark Walker, and Rev. Cletis Titus officiating. Military honors will be presented by the United States Navy and the Davidson County Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Friday, June 5, 2026, at Davidson Funeral Home, Hickory Tree Chapel.

A native of Davidson County, Sam was born on May 21, 1952, to the late Noah Luther “Luke” Welch and the late Charlene Isabel Perrell Welch. After completing one semester at NC State University, Sam was enlisted into the United States Navy. During his tenure in the Navy, he achieved the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class and served on the USS Miller. Sam was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. On June 4, 1977, he married the love of his life, Patricia McDaniels Welch. Out of this beautiful union would come two wonderful daughters, Melissa and Amy. More than anything Sam will be remembered for his deep devotion and dedication to his family.

A man of deep faith, he was a faithful member of Grace Baptist Church since 1976. He was honored to serve his church in many capacities. Sam was a deacon for over 40 years and spent many years as the Chairman of the Deacons. He also served as a Sunday School Superintendent and Awana Commander. Sam was a hardworking man and dedicated 34 years of faithful service to RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company as a machinist. Outside of a professional setting, Sam loved tractors and farming. If it would have been possible to make a living being a farmer, that is exactly what he would have done.

We would be amiss if we did not speak to the lighter side of Sam that many knew and loved. He was a practical joker, was quick witted, had an enormous sense of humor and was sarcastic to boot. His DMA group (Don’t Mention Age), bestowed the prestigious honor of naming him the Agitator of the Year. This was an honor that Sam did not take lightly. His love, laughter, and genuine kindness could light up any room. He was a man of integrity and all who were blessed to know him, can say their life was made better and richer for knowing him.

In addition to his parents, Sam was preceded in death by his sister, Kay Cole and her husband, Max; and brother-in-law, Joe Starbuck.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of almost 49 years, Patricia Welch; daughters, Melissa Leonard (Johnny) and Amy Howard (Andrew); grandchildren, Brayden Leonard, Blake Leonard, Madi Howard, Luke Howard, and Ellie Kate Howard; brothers, Mike Welch (Kathy) and Andy Welch; sisters, Pam Starbuck and Cara Leslie (Al); and numerous beloved extended family members and cherished friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Sam’s memory may be directed to Grace Baptist Church, 3305 Peters Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27127.

Davidson Funeral Home, Hickory Tree Chapel is honored to serve the Welch family.