Lewis Earl Welch, 73, affectionately known as "Rick", passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023. He was born on June 24, 1950 to Lewis Sims and Nannie Ruth Welch in Winston-Salem, NC. He attended the Forsyth County Schools graduating from Carver High School. Upon graduation, he would become a full-time employee of RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company where he remained employed until his retirement in 2004. On April 18, 1976, Lewis married Jerrie Elaine Greene. The two of them were spiritually grounded and faithful believers, which led them both to their callings in the ministry. He served as a faithful Deacon and his wife served as a faithful Evangelist. Lewis and Jerrie had seven children. He was a devoted father, husband and friend who loved fellowshipping with family and friends while always showing love and spreading the gospel.

He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife; and oldest son, F. Lamont Crawford.

He leaves behind many precious memories to be cherished by his children, Ricky (Kaneisha) Welch, Doward (Tina) Crawford, Ulysses (Monica) Crawford, Johnita Crawford Campbell, Shawlene Crawford and Syteria Crawford Marlin; three siblings, Marion (Mary) Welch, Michael (Ophelia)  Welch, and Angel Welch; four nieces which include Amber and Amarie Welch of Winston-Salem; four nephews including Great -Nephew Zay of Winston-Salem; two brothers-in-law, Floyd Greene and Edward (Janice) Greene; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; and a host of other treasured relatives and friends.

He was a loving and generous soul who epitomized what it truly meant to be loyal and a stand-up, high-character person who led by example. He will be dearly missed by everyone he touched.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Thursday, January 18, 2023 at Carver Road Christian Church. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12:30pm until 1:00pm on Thursday at the Church.