THE GRAVESIDE SERVICE FOR MR. WELCH HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL A LATER DATE

VISITATION WILL CONTINUE AS SCHEDULED.

Donald Wayne Welch, age 85, of Mint Hill, North Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, following a stroke. He was born on September 12, 1940, in Charlotte, North Carolina to his beloved mother, Myrtle Welch.

The family will receive friends from 6:00PM-8:00PM at Holland Funeral Service, 806 Circle Drive, Monroe, NC 28112. During the visitation at 7:00PM, We will take a quick pause, and the Army will pay tribute to Don’s Service.

At a young age, Don began working alongside his mother at Highland Park Manufacturing Company, learning the value of hard work and dedication early in life. He graduated from Central High School in 1958, continued his education at King’s Business College in 1959, and graduated from King’s College in 1960. In 1962, he proudly earned a Bachelor of Science degree as part of the 39th graduating class of Bowling Green College of Commerce.

On May 4, 1963, Don joined the North Carolina Army National Guard. He honorably served for six years, including six months of active duty at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and attained the rank of SP5-E5. He served with Battery A, 1st Battalion, 113th Artillery in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was activated during the time surrounding the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His service also included annual training at Fort Bragg and Fort Stewart, along with regular weekend drills. Don received an honorable discharge on January 16, 1969.

In July 1966, Don graduated from the Life Underwriter Training Council to serve as a life insurance underwriter, and later that same year completed Business Protection training through State Capital Life Insurance Company.

Don began his distinguished career in public service in 1970 as a State Probation Officer after graduating from Central Piedmont Community College. In March 1975, he was sworn into the North Carolina Department of Corrections, Division of Adult Probation and Parole. Throughout his career, Don continually pursued excellence in criminal justice and leadership.

In 1975, he completed studies in Case Supervision and Human Behavior through the Institute of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He later graduated from the Criminal Justice Center at Florida State University in 1979.

Don’s dedication and leadership earned him numerous honors throughout his career. In 1983, he received the State of North Carolina Executive Cabinet Award for Excellence in Management and Supervision as Unit Supervisor for Special Programs within the Division of Adult Probation and Parole. That same year, he was awarded the Criminal Justice Officer’s Advanced Certificate Award by the North Carolina Department of Justice, presented by Attorney General Edmisten and Director Rudisill.

Upon his retirement in 2001, Governor James Hunt awarded Don the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine in recognition of his years of faithful service to the State of North Carolina.

Even after retirement, Don continued serving others as a bus driver for Hickory Grove Christian School, where he worked from 1999 until 2023.

Beyond his many accomplishments, Don will be remembered most for the love he had for his family and community. He loved coaching his sons, Chad and Josh, in sports and spent many years playing and coaching softball. It was through softball that he met the love of his life, Teresa Ann McGee, whom he married on July 14, 1979.

Don was a faithful member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church, where he enjoyed teaching Sunday School classes and serving as a deacon. He especially treasured watching his grandchildren play sports and spending time with those he loved most.

He is survived by his loving spouse of 48 years, Terry Welch of Mint Hill, North Carolina. His son Chad Welch, Brayden (Son) 13, Sawyer (Daughter) 10, Hadley (Daughter) 6 – Of Unionville, NC, his son – Josh Welch, Grace (Wife), Emma 20, Bradleigh 12, Kennedy 10 of Concord, NC.

In addition to his mother Myrtle Welch, Don is preceded in death by his  infant daughter Allison Paige Welch and Aunt Pansy Welch.