Robert Dewey Welsh

Robert Dewey Welsh, 93, passed away into greater Hands than ours on January 31, 2018.
Known as Bob to those close to him, he was a strong and fearless father, husband, friend,
entrepreneur, and benefactor who embraced life, exhibited steely willpower, and confidently
carried many others in his lifetime. Though born in Illinois, he gradually became a Southerner at heart, residing most of his life in Atlanta, Georgia. Bob grew up as an enterprising teen in Chicago, selling eggs and subscriptions, running a newspaper stand, caring for a companion with polio, serving as a soda jerk, delivering for Walgreens, and playing soccer; yet he graduated high school at 16. He attributed his success always to God and the wonderful people God brought in his path, including his high school German teacher and counselor, Mrs. Rivers, who steered him to always choose jobs where he would meet people. Those timely connections that enlightened or changed his path included Walt Disney and Robert Woodruff. At 18, Bob enlisted as a U.S. Marine in WW2, serving in the Pacific theater at the Battle of Guadalcanal. Once again, he always thanked God for sparing his life many times during WW2. After the war he attended Emory University and graduated with a business degree in 3 years. He then married the love of his life, Martha Wiley, of Austell, Ga. Just out of college, his first job was with the Research Institute of America where he met and called on Herman Lay to renew his contract. Eventually Bob formed Bob Welsh & Company representing many electronics and housewares manufacturers, including Panasonic, early in its expansion to the U.S. During his lifetime, Bob received numerous awards and traveled worldwide in business as well as for
leisure. He spoke German confidently, gave speeches in Japanese, without an interpreter when in Japan on business, and readily sang for a willing audience. Robert Welsh was predeceased by his wife, Martha, and his son, Doug Welsh. He leaves a daughter, Debby Logan, six grandchildren: Robert Welsh, Andrew Welsh, Kimberly Kopczynski, Rebecca Englebretson, Laura Alcorn, David Logan and five great grandchildren. The family is grateful for the care provided by the accomplished caregiver Inus Quincey and those of Parksprings Homecare, including Binta Bah, Paul Remy, Allison Martin-Thompson as well as others. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the American Red Cross or the National Foundation for Cancer Research. At Bob’s request, a private family service will be held. A. S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home & Crematory.