Hugh Foster Welch

Hugh Foster Welch obituary, Lexington, SC

Hugh Foster Welch

Hugh Welch Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Thompson Funeral Homes - Lexington on Oct. 29, 2024.

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On the morning of October 26, 2024, Hugh Foster Welch slipped the surly bonds of Earth to join his heavenly father. Loved by all who knew him, he had been affectionately nicknamed "Chewy." Steadfast as a Wookie, Chewy brought levity with him everywhere he went, and his legacy is one of love and laughter. Everyone who has ever met him has a story about a time that he dropped everything to help them or about a time that he made them laugh or feel seen. He truly was a giant of a man, and, like his stature, he did nothing small.
Hugh was born on the evening of October 26, 1982, to Albert "Buddy" and Margaret Welch. They would go on to give him his two closest friends, Chris and John Welch, his brothers. This was generally agreed to be hazardous to all but mostly to his mother's sanity. His life would take an unexpected turn when he met a feisty red head at work named Helen VanBorsch. Ever the intrepid adventurer, Hugh emerged from his introverted shell and pursued the young woman, gradually winning her heart. On June 28, 2008, they wed in the company of loved ones and began the journey of life together.
Four years later, the duo would be blessed by the appearance of a beautiful baby boy, Joshua. Together, they spent the last 12 years navigating the traps and trials of raising an aspiring athlete and young man. Every evening would find Hugh in the back yard throwing a football, playing basketball, or more likely, playing soccer with the young Joshua. Many deep conversation were had and cautionary tales of "the dreaded chicken" entertained and educated alike.
Hugh graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and began his career in the Veterans Administration as a pharmacy tech. Wishing to do more to help the veterans, his path led him to pursue a position with Dorn Hospital's data analytics team in a role that allowed him to directly impact on the quality of care to the patients. He last worked on a data team that I wish I could explain because he tried to explain it to me so many times, but it still doesn't make sense. He was far smarter than anyone else I've ever met, and I hope he will forgive me for not understanding what he did or how he did it. What's important is that he loved the vets that he served and was actively trying to make sure that they got the best care that they could.
Hugh is survived by his loving wife Helen, son Joshua, parents Buddy and Margaret, Chris and Brianne Welch, John and Stephanie Henrichs Welch. His extended family is too numerous to mention but they will all miss his dolphin rides, Magic the Gathering games, royal subjugation, awful dad jokes, and most of all, his amazing hugs.
Services will be held at Christian Life Assembly at 2700 Bush River Rd., Columbia, SC 29210, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 2nd. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a donation be made to the Congaree Rapid FC Scholarship program. Checks may be sent to PO Box 2135, West Columbia, SC 29171.

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Sign Hugh Welch's Guest Book

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January 23, 2025

Erie (McCray) Thompson, RN posted to the memorial.

October 30, 2024

B&S Keith posted to the memorial.

October 29, 2024

The Staff of Thompson Funeral Home posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Erie (McCray) Thompson, RN

January 23, 2025

There are no words to describe how I feel right now. I just learned of Hugh's passing not even ten minutes ago. I was looking for him and asked a coworker in Atlanta had she heard from him. I am very fortunate to have known Hugh and worked with him on a few occasions at the Columbia VA. An amazing human was he. He knew how to treat people and that is what drew me to him. Thank God for Hugh and his wealth of incredible knowledge! We don't know why God allows things like this to happen. I'll just express my gratitude and thank God for the life and love of Hugh "Chewy" Welch! Extending condolences to his beautiful family and all who knew/worked with him.

B&S Keith

October 30, 2024

We were very sorry to hear about this. Our deepest and most sincere condolences to the family. May God keep you all, guide you all, and comfort you all. Brett and Samantha Keith

The Staff of Thompson Funeral Home

October 29, 2024

Offering our deepest sympathies at this time.

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Thompson Funeral Homes - Lexington

4720 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC 29073

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Sign Hugh Welch's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 23, 2025

Erie (McCray) Thompson, RN posted to the memorial.

October 30, 2024

B&S Keith posted to the memorial.

October 29, 2024

The Staff of Thompson Funeral Home posted to the memorial.