Thomas Ellis Welch, Jr,  a veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Norfolk, VA, passed away on January 2, 2022 at 2:10 pm from Leukemia at the Veterans Community Living Center in Hampton.

Thomas, Brother or Uncle Brother as he was known to the family, was born to Thomas, Sr and Alice Welch on June 15, 1938.  Thomas attended Booker T. Washington High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army.  As a SP6 for the Army, Thomas saw action in Vietnam, and he had many amazing stories of his time there, especially about his helicopter.

Thomas had many awards and certifications offered to him during his time in the army, including his Aviation license which allowed him to fly his beloved helicopter.

After the war, Thomas returned home and married Evelyn Johnson in 1967. Thomas then went to work for the Norfolk Public Schools Security System.

Thomas was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn, and his parents and older sister. He is survived by his younger siblings, M. Elizabeth Welch Staten and Stephen Welch, his nephew Joseph (Erika) W. Barrett III and niece SherNita (Rodney) McFarland; and great-nephews Erik (Chavonda) D. Barrett and Derrick D. Davis. He also leaves behind two cousins Daniel Rhoades and Sarah Welch.

A service to honor Thomas' life and military service, will be held at the Freemason Street Baptist Church on Monday January 10, 2022 at 11am.

Followed by a repast at the church for family only.

Internment services will be held at Roosevelt Memorial Cemetery on Wednesday January 12, 2022 at 11am