Billy L. Welsh

Billy L. Welsh, 97, of Columbus, GA passed away on Wednesday, December 09, 2020 at his home.

A private Graveside service for family and close friends will be held Friday December 11, 2020 in Parkhill Cemetery with Dr. Edwin M. Cooper Jr. and Dr. P. Shane Green officiating according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, Georgia 31907.

Billy was born in Atlanta, GA but moved to Columbus when he was four years old. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Burnette B. Welsh, and his parents, Floy Lane and Walter D. Welsh, his brother, Walter, and his sister, Mary Smith. He is survived by his four children, H. Dean Welsh (Sandy), of Seattle; Rebecca W. Rumer (William C.), of Columbus; Laura W. Cochran (Charles D.), of Columbus; and M. Ellene Welsh, of Atlanta; ten beloved grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Linda B. Butler, and long-time family friend Vivian J. Money.

Billy graduated from Jordan High School. He served in World War II as a member of the 2nd Battalion, 358 U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, landing on Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion. He returned home to Columbus after the war, and went back to work at the job he held at Hardaway Ford Motor Company before being drafted. Billy met his wife, Burnette, at Hardaway, and eventually became the long-time Manager of the Parts Department there. Even in retirement, Billy continued to work part-time with various local Ford Dealerships and among his friends and co-workers who he had hired into the business through the years. In retirement, Billy devoted his time to community service, particularly Meals on Wheels and the local chapter of FCA. He also took up running at age 62 and ran his last Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta at age 81. Most importantly, Billy faithfully attended every school, extra-curricular activity, and sporting event in which one or more of his grandchildren was involved. He ate breakfast every Saturday morning for over thirty years with many of his grandchildren who lived in Columbus, expanding to include great-grandchildren once they were born!

Billy’s children are grateful for the care provided to him in the last few years by Maretha Ashford, Gloria Perter, Pat McCoy, and Denita  Moye. They also appreciate the care and guidance of the attentive staff at Columbus Hospice during the last several months.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Feeding the Valley, for the benefit of Meals on Wheels, at 6744 Flat Rock Road, Midland, GA 31820.

Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com