Roy Coleman Welsh

Roy Coleman Welsh, 78, of Forest, Va. entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at his home. Although this was unexpected, Roy looked forward to the day his Heavenly Father would call him home. Roy often reminisced about what it would be like to see Christ in heaven. He spoke of his parents and those that would greet him for his homecoming. Roy would refer to verses about laying down treasures in heaven, and spent many sweet cherished moments with friends, family members, and even strangers about sharing the plan of salvation and asking direct questions about where they would spend eternity.

He was preceded in death by his parents, loved ones, sweet friends, and most importantly his wife of 20 years, Marietta Parker Welsh, who passed 5 years ago, but every day felt like yesterday to him.

He is survived by his favorite daughter, Tammy Knight (because she is his only daughter, which was often a shared joke between the two of them); Roy had a sweet relationship with his son-in-law, Scott Knight, who often assisted him with chores and tasks he could no longer do himself; he is also survived by three sons; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Roy’s sons and grandchildren were very important to him and were prayed for by name, each and every day. While this is a difficult story, with many regrets on his part, Roy would in times past reach out to heal these broken relationships. But to the broken, of course it’s never the right time, sometimes too painful to begin again, or perceived as not enough effort or often enough. It would be important to Roy that his son’s be acknowledged and know that in time he had hoped that forgiveness and grace would be received. But most importantly they are loved and prayed for by name: Bryan Welsh, and twin boys Joseph Welsh and Jeffrey Welsh.

To those who knew Roy, they would often hear him speak about the day the Lord would allow healing and forgiveness to take place. He would be very proud of his boys for being there for their sister and for the grandchildren that would choose to attend. His final wishes would be that all of his children, and especially his grandchildren, hear the plan of salvation at his funeral, and if on no other day, they would open their hearts at this time and choose Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

As we all know, we live in a broken world, full of grief, death, sickness, and heartache. There is one thing we know for sure, if we don’t reach peace this side of heaven, for those that have chosen Christ, there will be everlasting joy and peace as we fellowship in heaven at the feet of Jesus.

Roy was a veteran who served in the US Army as a young man. He worked for Rock-Tenn Company in Lynchburg. Roy was a long-time member of Thomas Road Baptist Church and a seminary graduate of Liberty University, formerly known as Liberty Baptist College during his attendance.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 15, 2022 at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, from 3 to 4 p.m. A celebration of Roy’s home-going will follow at 4 p.m. with Pastor Jonathan Falwell and Ken Jenkins officiating.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.