Billy "BJ" Welch

Billy "BJ" Welch escaped this mortal realm on February 20, 2026. We believe it was due to an experiment with radioactive spiders gone awry. Billy will be remembered in many different ways to a great many people. He was a loving father and ensured his son Sammy always had great taste in music. He was a loving husband to his wife and partner in crime of 19 years, Amber. Billy was a beloved son to his mother, Stacy Reynolds. He was always willing to indulge her many, many photo sessions and ensured she always had plenty to worry about. He kept his father, Jack Welch's mechanical knowledge sharp, with a constant running quiz of phone calls that always included the question "What does this sound like to you?" while holding a phone up to his truck. BJ also leaves behind his sister, Misty, who he spent his 46 years both protecting and torturing, sometimes both on the same day. Billy bonded with his two step brothers, Marcus and Rodney, and his step mother, Lori, over their love of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Billy's older nieces and nephews, Cody, Josh, and Lex always enjoyed spending time with him, learning the ways of comic books, good music and hearing stories of the aforementioned torture of their mother. There were also several very aggressive confetti egg battles. Billy was a constant jungle gym to his younger nieces and nephews, Lilly, Michael, and Xander. Billy spent much of his time with his Aunt "Dolphin"Diane, Uncle Paul and cousin/brother, Westley. (Westley wanted a sibling and Misty was happy to let someone else enjoy the love only a goofy little brother can provide.) Diane and Paul loved him like their own. Billy was a brother in law to Stephanie, Michael, and Brittany. He loved to help run the kids out of energy for them and was always there to help when something broke and needed fixing.

Billy came into this realm in his own special way, making sure it was memorable for all. Born on January 20, 1980, during a rare blizzard in Amarillo, Texas on Superbowl Sunday, right in the middle of the game, much to the chagrin of his father and doctor. Billy was born with jaundice, prompting the first of many nicknames, Baby Yoda. His family moved all over Texas during his childhood but he found his home in San Marcos. Billy found his people and discovered his love of the river, where a very large part of his teen years were spent. Billy was a man that was hell bent on keeping the rivers of San Marcos from being overrun by fish. He was an avid gamer his entire life and loved reading and collecting comic books. In 2007, he met his match in Amber and his life was forever changed. Billy was in love and found his peace. They brought sweet baby Sammy into this realm in November 2007 and Billy was ecstatic. He loved his son more than Batman loves the Batcave. Billy loved being Sammy's best friend. He was only unhappy when he took all the kids fishing once and he caught no fish, while Cody and Sammy caught several. It was a great day of much teasing for everyone except Billy.

Billy was a loyal friend, was always a great listener and was never judgemental. He was always happy to help a friend move or pick you up when you broke down. He was always the life of the party, and then some. Billy loved all things nature and was a friend to all animals. He would be the first to rescue an animal in need and probably would have had a zoo in the house if we let him. Billy was a fighter of injustice, always ready to defend what he believed in.

This realm will always be a bit darker without him in it and there will always be too many fish in the river.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 21st, at River Spring 125 Old Martindale Road in San Marcos from 1pm to 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to any animal rescue or shelter in his name, then go read a comic book.