Dennis "Uncle D" Clayton Welch, Sr.

Obituary For Dennis "Uncle D" Clayton Welch, Sr.

Deacon Dennis Clayton Welch, Sr., 70, of Mayodan, NC passed Monday, May 26, 2025. Public viewing will be held Friday, May 30, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Perry Spencer Funeral Home, 402 Short Avenue, Madison, NC. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Monument of Faith Ministries, Inc., 319 North Henry St., Eden, NC. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Walter D. “Lannie” Robertson officiating. An internment will follow at Hairston Cemetery, located at 174 Shady Grove Rd, Eden, NC.

Deacon Dennis Clayton Welch, Sr., transitioned from labor to reward Monday, May 26th, 2025, leaving behind a profound legacy of love, kindness and an unmistakable cool spirit that made him unforgettable to all who knew him.

Born on February 4, 1955 in the heart of Rockingham County, Dennis Clayton Welch entered the world as the fourth of six sons born to the late Carl and Janice Welch. Raised in a bustling household alongside his brothers – Carl Jr., Charles, Carnell, Cecil, and Melvin – he grew up surrounded by a deep-rooted sense of family. Those early years shaped the man he would become: hardworking, compassionate, full of spoken wisdom and a calm, cool spirit. He was preceded in death by all of his immediate family.

Dennis began his journey through life in the Stokes County Schools system before continuing at Charles R. Drew School, where he was introduced to the love of his life. From the moment their eyes met, a beautiful love story began to write itself. Their connection was instant, their bond undeniable. On April 1, 1970, in the home of the late Bishop Billy and Mother Doris Harbor, Dennis pledged his heart to Sandra Jean Phillips. That day, their love story became a sacred promise—a union that would forever be the foundation of his world and the heartbeat of his soul.

The couple began their life together in the warm embrace of his in-laws, Calvin and Christine Phillips, whose home offered a foundation of love and support. Their journey continued as they moved out on their own in their first home on Taft Street—a place filled with laughter, love, and dreams. From this beautiful union came three cherished children: Dennis Clayton, Marvin Lee, and Janice Christina. In them, Dennis and Sandra lovingly planted the same seeds of faith, strength, and family that had so deeply shaped their own lives. In 1984, the Welch family experienced the ultimate test of faith and strength when God called their second-born son, Marvin Lee, home at the tender age of eleven. That loss left a permanent imprint on their hearts but also deepened the love and unity that carried them forward.

Dennis spent much of his career in the textile industry, working at Burlington Industries, Macfield, and Frontier Spinning. He even embraced his passion for food and became a cook at the Mayflower Restaurant for several years, bringing flavor and comfort to those he served. Dennis even worked in the construction industry and other odd jobs to make ends meet for his family. He would later return to the textile industry before his retirement.

In his mid-40s, Dennis survived a major car accident. It was a moment that shook him to his core. In the quiet time between the pain and healing, he heard God calling. That accident became a turning point, not just physically but spiritually. He decided to give his life fully to Christ. He became a man on a mission as he cast his lot at Monument of Faith Ministries, Inc., under the leadership of then-Pastors Elders Bobby and Carol Robertson, and now Elder Walter D. “Lannie” Robertson. His cool spirit came from hard-earned peace. His stride was shaped by struggle, grace, and recovery. After joining, he was ordained as a Deacon, serving as the Superintendent of Sunday School. He was also a member of the B. Robertson Male Ensemble and a beloved member of the Covenant Keepers Marriage Ministry. Deacon Welch uplifted fellow Ment members with a warm smile, genuine kindness, and steady encouragement. “You’re doing a fine job,” he would often say—words that left a lasting impression on many.

Dennis lived life with a gentle strength and a spirit that stayed cool no matter the storm. He was the kind of man who made others feel instantly at ease. His laid-back charm, sense of humor, and calming presence gave him a rare gift for connection. He loved without condition and showed up for others with unwavering loyalty.

Dennis had a stride that was more than just the way he moved. It was the way he carried his faith. You could see it in the way he entered a room. His cool spirit drew people in. Deacon Welch was a cool saint – that cool deacon. He had a deep confidence that came from truly knowing who he was in God’s eyes, as he turned what nearly ended his life into his life’s calling.

Dennis was preceded in death by his son, Master Marvin Lee Welch; father Carl Welch, Sr.; his mother Janice Price Welch; his five brothers, Carl, Jr., Charles Eugene, Edward Carnell, Cecil and Melvin.

Dennis Clayton Welch, Sr. leaves to cherish precious memories and a legacy of compassion and kindness: his beloved wife and best friend of fifty-four years Sandra Phillips Welch of the home; devoted son, Dennis C. Welch, Jr. of Greensboro, NC; cherished daughter Janice C. Welch of Greensboro, NC; daughter-in-love Kimberly W. Welch of Greensboro, NC; proud and loving grandfather of C. Sean Welch of Denver, CO; Ashlyn J. Welch of Greensboro, NC and Kendall A. Jackson of Greensboro, NC; brothers-in-law, Calvin E. Phillips, Jr. (Willa Mae) of Greensboro, NC, Stanley A. Phillips (Ella Jean) of Mayodan, NC and James M. Phillips of Mayodan, NC; sisters-in-law, Evelyn B. Moore (Frank), and Nannie P. Welch both of Mayodan, NC; special brother-in-law Johnny Brown, Sr. of Stoneville, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.