Derrick B. Welch's Obituary
Derrick Bartholomew Welch was born on August 20, 1939, in Kingston, Jamaica to William Welch and Rose Welch.
Derrick attended Alveria Preparatory Roman Catholic School and Saint George’s High School in Kingston, Jamaica. He then began working for various shipping companies on the wharf in Jamaica.
In 1980, he migrated his family from Kingston, Jamaica, to Clearwater, Florida to pursue a better life. He became a citizen in 1989. He attended Tampa College and earned his Associate's degree.
He began his work journey shortly after with Alderman and Aristech Trucking Companies. He then worked for Pinellas County Schools transportation as a bus driver before becoming a lead supervisor, retiring in 2011.
Derrick loved playing and watching cricket, football, soccer, tennis, working in the yard and washing his vehicle. He was known as the Energizer Bunny for his active lifestyle. Derrick also enjoyed watching horse racing, NASCAR, educational shows, Shrek, 007, and My Cousin Vinny.
He was married to the love of his life Valerie Welch for 57 years.
Derrick was called home on the morning of June 23, 2024, in his home, with his devoted wife, and supportive grandson, Darius Moore by his side.
He was preceded in death by his parents William and Rose Welch and brothers, Jeremiah “Jerry” Welch, Charles “Junior” Welch, and WIlliam “Roy” Welch, Father and mother-in-law Frank and Jane Francis. Sister-in-law Yvonne Chin and brother in laws Louis Francis, Kai Meng Lui, and Rogelio Chin, as well as Anthony Sullins.
He will be forever remembered for the love he held for his family, his infectious smile, humor, intelligence, supportiveness, fun, and loving personality.
We are forever grateful that you were a part of our lives.
He leaves to mourn:
• The love of his life and wife for 57 years: Valerie Welch
• Son: Daryl Welch (Barbara)
• Daughter: Lorraine Hinson (Al)
• Grandchildren: Darius Moore, Aaliyah Hinson, Jazmyne Hinson, Hunter Welch, Ashlyn Welch, and Talon Craft
• Great Grandchildren: Brycen Moore, and Darius Moore Jr.
• Brothers: Art Welch and Asher Welch
• Sister: Beverly Khan (Larry)
• Brother-in-law: Victor Dixon
• Sister in laws: Cecille Lui, Jacqueline Dixon, and Pauline Chin
• Nephews: Lawrence Khan Jr., Stephen Smith, Tyrone Dixon, and Kirk Dixon
• Nieces: Kathie Chin, Sophia Clem (Bill), Shu Yin Lui, Shu Faei Lui, Fay Chin, Ashaki Sullins, Shu Ling Lui-Lym
And he also leaves to mourn a host of loving family, friends, grand nieces, and nephews.
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