John Thomas` Welch II

John Thomas Welch II, 78, of Brevard, passed away on June 2, 2026. Born in Memphis, TN, he was the son of the late John Welch and Jewel Snider Welch. John was known for his warmth, humility, and gentle spirit. Despite his many accomplishments, he consistently put others first, offering support, encouragement, and kindness. He had a natural gift for listening without judgment and for lifting up those around him in quiet, meaningful ways.

John also had a wonderful sense of humor and a lifelong love of a good pun. His quick wit and gentle playfulness brought levity to even the most ordinary moments, and his family will forever remember the way he could make a room smile or diffuse a touchy situation with a single clever turn of phrase.

A United States Army veteran, John served as a member of the United States Army Band. He was a music major in college, earning his bachelor’s degree from Memphis State University and his Master of Library Science from American University in Washington, D.C. He continued to share his musical gifts throughout his life, performing with the Raleigh Concert Band, the Brevard Concert Band, the Brevard College Wind Ensemble, and the Hendersonville Concert Band. In addition to performing, John also served as the master of ceremonies for the Raleigh, Hendersonville, and Brevard concert bands, bringing his vast musical knowledge to each performance.

An avid reader, John was often described by his grandchildren as a “human reference library.” Books, to him, were a gift in every sense — a doorway, a comfort, a spark. He never judged what anyone chose to read, only encouraged reading what speaks to you. Reading and learning were more than a hobby for John; it became his career. He served as the Assistant State Librarian of North Carolina and later as school library media coordinator for Enloe High School in Raleigh. He believed deeply in the power of libraries as places of discovery, equity, and lifelong learning. He also served as past chair of the Transylvania County Library Foundation, where he worked to strengthen the library’s reach and impact within the community.

He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Frances Bradburn; his children, Melanie Wahlbrink (Steve) and Matthew Welch (Jennifer); his stepchildren, Jeffrey Bradburn (Karen), Jenni Faires (Billy), and Julie Klink (Robert); his grandchildren, Avery Faires, Katie Wahlbrink, Arden Faires, Turner Faires, Mitchell Bradburn, Grayson Welch, and Caroline Welch; his stepbrother, Wayne Welch; and his stepsister, Wanna Forrester.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Porter Center at Brevard College at 3:30 p.m. on July 5th. In honor of John’s joyful spirit, his family invites everyone to wear bright colors — a reflection of the warmth, humor, and light he brought into the world.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts be made to the Transylvania County Library Foundation or to the Ruth Still and David Kirby Annual Scholarship Fund at Brevard College. John helped create this scholarship, which is given to exceptional students pursuing music at Brevard College.

Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is honored to serve the family.