Don Welch

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Don Welch was born in Chattanooga Tennessee on February 19, 1939 to parents Alice P Welch and Dorman “Sunshine” Welch. Raised in Chattanooga, he spent summers at McCallie day camp then became a McCallie student from 1954 to 1958, an opportunity for which he was forever grateful. Don was president of the senior leadership organization, Keo- Kio, and recipient of the Stephens Athletic Medal. He was a standout athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. Following his time at McCallie, Don received a scholarship to play football for Bobby Dodd at Georgia Tech (1958-1959). After one year at Georgia Tech he realized, in his own words, “he was not cut out to be an engineer.” With the guidance of John Day, he transferred to Tennessee Tech to continue his football career. While a student there from 1959-1963 Don met a certain majorette named Marcia Whitaker one day after coming off the practice field. Don and Marcia got married on November 2, 1963. “Soulmates” is how Marcia describes their love. 

Don later became the General Manager and ran the Whitaker family business, W.R. Whitaker and Co. He was an avid supporter of Tennessee Tech athletics, an executive officer in the innocuous Purple Hat Gang, and served on various boards in the Cookeville community. Don and Marcia eventually retired and moved to Atlanta, Georgia to be closer to their son Gary, and his wife Ellen, and three grand-children.

Riding horses and spending time with his family and friends were his favorite pastimes. Don took a few trips out west to dude ranches with his son Gary and grandson Garrison. His family will cherish the resulting photos in which he was always smiling ear to ear. Taking after his father's nickname “Sunshine”, Don brought the sunshine to everyone he encountered. Being at the beach with his grandkids was his utopia. His grandkids could never decipher if the warmth they felt at the beach was from their “Papa” or the rays of the sun. To them, it felt the same. 

Don is survived by his wife Marcia Whitaker Welch, son Gary (Ellen) Welch of Atlanta, Georgia, grandson Garrison (Sloane) Welch of Austin, Texas, grand-daughter Karley (William) Yancey of Atlanta, Georgia, and grand-daughter Whitaker Welch Atlanta, Georgia. 

A Reflection and Celebration of Life for Don Welch will be held Saturday March 8, 2025 at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home (located at 59 N Jefferson Ave in Cookeville, Tennessee 38501). Receiving of family and friends for visitation will be from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM CST, followed by a service at 1:00 PM CST. The service will be officiated by Josh Deitrick, Chaplain of The McCallie School. Interment will follow at Cookeville City Cemetery for family only.

Honorary pallbearers will be Phil Hall, Mack Huddleston, Larry O’Rear, Jim Morton, Gene Green, Scotty Hannah, Chipper Jones, Ron Brown, and Tom Rowland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s memory to The McCallie School or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; two places that were very near and dear to Don’s heart.

The Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 Share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.