Philip Theodore Welch III

Philip Theodore Welch, III, 67 of Nashville passed away at his home on April 13th. Phil was a Christian gentleman who loved the Lord, family, sports, and music. Phil was happily married for 37 years to Denise “Cissy” Winters Welch. Phil, Philip, and Lesley were still navigating the loss of their wife and mother, who died March 2nd, 2021. His greatest joy was being "Papa" to his granddaughter Abby who filled his heart with love, laughter, and light.

Phil was born August 19th, 1957 in Birmingham, Alabama to Philip Theodore Welch, Jr. and Frances Blackmon Welch. The family moved from Columbus, Georgia to Nashville where Phil and his sisters attended McMurray Junior High and graduated from John Overton High. Phil was a drummer in the award-winning Overton band. Phil was coached by his father on a number of winning youth football and baseball teams where he made long-term cherished friendships.

Brother Dan Gilbert baptized Phil into Christ on March 9th, 56 years ago and he worshiped at Crieve Hall Church of Christ for the rest of his life. Phil was an early riser, who started each day with prayer and Bible study. He was thankful to God and used these practices to begin each day.

Phil came from a long line of Alabama fans. Phil’s father played the saxophone in the Million Dollar Band and his uncle Ed Welch was shortstop for the Crimson Tide baseball team. When Phil attended the University of Tennessee, his allegiance shifted and he became a true Tennessee Volunteer. At UT he pledged and became a brother of the Kappa Alpha Order, Pi Chapter, where he formed life-long friendships. As a KA he enjoyed football weekends, road trips, and softball intramurals. Phil had a love for Beach Music and was an avid musicologist, accumulating a first-class record collection and becoming a popular DJ. This love of music extended into his appreciation for the North Myrtle Beach Carolina Shag dancing, participating in competitions and instructing classes with his wife Cissy.

Phil was an award-winning salesman of swim apparel with Speedo and Arena which supported his family for nearly 40 years. He was a sales rep for nationally recognized swim teams and sporting goods stores all over the United States. Developing relationships, exceptional customer service and superior work ethic led to his success. Throughout his career Phil was recognized as a top salesman with both companies. He had the opportunity and enjoyed meeting many Olympic athletes who endorsed the swimwear lines.

Phil and Cissy took great joy in creating a nurturing home for their children. Phil was proud of Philip for his academic progress from Overton to Middle Tennessee State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, winning multiple awards and scholarships. Phil delighted in coaching Lesley in softball and attending her Overton games in volleyball and softball, then graduating at O’More College of Design and progressing into design sales. Phil is survived by son, Philip T. Welch, IV and his daughter Abigail June of Franklin, and daughter Lesley K. Welch of Nashville. Three sisters Gay Welch Rushing (Joe) of Springfield, Deanna Welch Sellers of Nashville, and Lu Welch of Nashville, also nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.

Visitation will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 660 Thompson Lane on Thursday, April 17th from 5-9 pm and on Friday, April 18th from 9-11 am. Daniel Rushing, Bill Watkins and Joe Rushing will lead a celebration of life in the Chapel at 11 am. Pallbearers are Jarrett Sellers, Adam Rippie, Andrew Rushing, Daniel Rushing, Jerry Moseley, Mark Henningsen, Craig Jenkins and Mark Wright. Memorials can be made to Abigail June Welch for a college fund at First Horizon Bank.

A gathering of family and friends for Philip will be held Thursday, April 17, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204. A gathering of family and friends will occur Friday, April 18, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204. A celebration of life will occur Friday, April 18, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204. A graveside service will occur Friday, April 18, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204.