Obituary published on Legacy.com by Bullock Funeral Home & Crematorium on Oct. 14, 2025.
Sumter, SC..Samuel Thomas Welch II, age 13, passed away peacefully on Friday,October 10, 2025, at his home.
Born in
Sumter, South Carolina, Samuel ("Sammy") Thomas Welch II was the beloved son of Samuel Thomas Welch and Courtney Elaine Haun Welch. Though his time with us was far too short, Sammy's life was rich with meaning, love, and remarkable accomplishments. A proud honorary graduate of Wilson Hall, Sammy was also declared an honorary Tiger of Clemson University-an affiliation he cherished deeply. He held his honorary South Carolina driver's license with pride, a symbol of his determination and the joyful milestones he celebrated along the way. His passion for learning, especially in math and science, lit up his world and inspired those around him. Sammy's Christian faith was the cornerstone of his life. As a devoted parishioner of St. Anne and St. Jude Roman Catholic Church, he found strength and peace from attending mass, participating in the sacraments, and deepening his relationship with Christ. His unwavering belief carried him through even the most difficult days. Among his favorite places was Yucatán restaurant, where he delighted in sharing queso and chips with his family-moments filled with laughter, love, and togetherness. A true homebody, Sammy found joy in the simple pleasures of life: building worlds in Minecraft, adventuring in Roblox, and chatting with friends on Xbox. His dad was not only his parent but his closest confidant and best friend. Sammy faced cancer with a courage that defied his years. Since the diagnosis of osteosarcoma in April 2023, Sammy endured more than 20 months of chemotherapy, over a dozen surgeries, and unrelenting pain; however, he remained steadfast in his faith in God and his positive outlook on life never wavered. He never allowed his illness to define him. Instead, he radiated grace, strength, and a quiet resilience that inspired everyone who knew him.
Sammy's legacy is one of love, bravery, and unwavering faith. He was a light in the lives of many-a gentle soul whose presence brought comfort and joy. Though he has left this world, his memory will forever shine in the hearts of those who loved him.
He was, simply put, too good for this world. Sammy is now resting with his creator and is at peace.
In addition to his parents, left behind to cherish his memory are his brother, Leo Michael Welch, as well as his grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 11:00am at St. Anne St. Jude Roman Catholic Church. Interment will be held at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery at 2:30pm on Friday, October 17, 2025.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:00pm at Bullock Funeral Home. Prayers will be held from 5:30pm – 6:00pm in the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel, prior to receiving friends.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, at Alice Drive Baptist Church, 1305 Loring Mill Rd,
Sumter, SC 29150. The family has requested that you please wear one of Sammy' s favorite colors, orange, purple, maroon, or yellow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any gifts be donated to Curing Kids Cancer at https://curingkidscancer.org/donate.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family's guest book.
The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.
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