In Memory

Kenneth Gordon Welsh

Kenneth Gordon Welsh

Kenneth Gordon Welsh, Wake Forest, NC 
October 25,1938 - June 22, 2023

Kenneth "Gordon" Welsh, Jr., 84, known lovingly as Dad, Grandaddy, Flash, G-Man and Pop Pop, passed away at Transitions Hospice Care of Raleigh on Thursday, June 22nd, 2023. In the fight of his life against terminal brain cancer, this larger-than-life man showed bravery, thankfulness, and patience along with never losing his sense of humor. His family was honored to have spent the last seven months by his side caring for and supporting him in every way. 

Gordon was predeceased by his parents" Kenneth" Gordon Welsh, Sr. of Schenectady, NY, and Willena Moser Welsh of Maxton NC. He was also predeceased by his stepson, Chauncey "Chance" Morris Jones.

He is survived by his wife Peggy Boone Welsh... his children, Tammy Welsh Smolan (Mark), Kenneth "Ken" Gordon Welsh Ill (Stephanie), David Bradford "Brad" Welsh (Lynne) and his stepdaughter Christine "Christy" Jones Anderson (Karl)... By 11 grandchildren: Allie, Holly, Whitney, Logan, Hunter, Sparks, Brittney, Sidney, Charlotte, Cade, and Everette... and 10 great grandchildren and also his devoted chocolate lab, Lily Belle.

He shared a loving relationship with his wife Peggy of 49 years and together they nurtured five children. Gordon's life was fun filled and always included others especially the grandchildren. Tales of hearts games that lasted until 2:00 a.m. or longer at Ocean Isle Beach were common. And some of his best "life" advice was given during, before and after the games. He was truly a competitor and never LET anyone win. This spirit carried over into the Texas Hold "Em card game that he hosted weekly for 20 plus years. Winning and losing was discussed every Friday morning at the office and the stories only grew better as the years passed. He loved the camaraderie, the challenge and even preparing the food for these events because these guys were very close to his heart. As much as Gordon enjoyed year around fun, Christmas was his main event. He loved the lights, decorations and of course the shopping and the shopping and the shopping. He always found a way to make Christmas special... Santa Claus appearing... treasure hunts searching out hidden presents. He often had gifts for the unsuspecting and loved the "surprise" atmosphere. The North Pole just might have been jealous.

Gordon's zest for life led him in multiple directions. As a young man he earned his Eagle Scout Award, played, and received varsity letters in football and baseball at Needham Broughton High School and then headed to Campbell College where he was a starter on the baseball team and turned down a scholarship to play at Wake Forest University. He married and had 3 children. This choice led him to coaching the youth and family in football and baseball for several years, winning championships along the way. He taught more than plays; he taught life. He loved every minute of it! Numerous players remained in contact through the years, and he saw many of them graduate from high school. Cancer did not diminish his wonderful memories of these young players. Amid all his involvement with youth, he continued to be an outstanding sales rep for Dillard Paper Company for 23 years. He liked doing side jobs like installing lockers in the public schools in Raleigh. Reaching out to help others, he created a locker team and gave many men an opportunity to make the additional money.

Opportunity seemed to be everywhere, and he was always eager to find the next challenge. His energy was a force in his life that never dwindled. He needed to expand and the dream of owning his own business began to formulate in his mind and in 1983, he and his wife Peggy opened Welsh Paper Company in the old cotton mill in downtown Wake Forest, NC. As the business grew, Gordon conceived something in his mind that had not been done before in the area - a one stop shop. He added Welsh Converting, Welsh Design Shop, Welsh Woodworks and Welsh Print Shop to Welsh Paper. Business boomed and no less than 400 people passed through the doors of Welsh Paper and its many divisions as employees including his three children Tammy, Ken, Brad, and son-in-law Mark who each had over 25 years of service. He also had a side venture Welsh Realty. But was it enough? No. Always the visionary, in 2005, he purchased Welsh Corrugated Container in Butner NC and completed the full-service spectrum of Welsh Paper. He went on to open 2 additional branches of Welsh Paper in Winston Salem and Charlotte, NC. Risk called his name yet again and rolling the dice he purchased Welsh Custom Slitting and Rewind in 2010 in Greensboro, NC. He negotiated a deal allowing him to keep all employees and customers without missing an order or closing the business to do it! In addition to this, the opening of Carolina Coastal Supply in Morehead City, NC. gave life new meaning once again. His children were always involved in his business life and had roles in each new venture.

While focused on Business Life, Gordon took time for R&R. His passion for golf was contagious and he played most of his life, becoming a member of the Hole in One Club. He often challenged guys to play using just his putter and a throw for money. You might guess who won! For years he would arrange trips to Myrtle Beach that included at least 20 guys for years; even taking one group to Pebble Beach. His family got to enjoy tickets to the Masters. As Gordon and Peggy bought a home at Atlantic beach, he began playing at and meeting the members at Morehead City Country Club. Again, vision set in, and he began convincing the staff that it was time to build a new clubhouse and improve the grounds. He was instrumental in golf course renovations including concrete cart paths. He supervised the construction himself; he helped with the capital fundraising for the new clubhouse. There were many days and nights with the staff dreaming of what the new club would become. He built the stone bridge going to the 18th hole and named it after his precious lab Lily Belle. Gordon worked with staff until his last days. He often spoke of having steak and lobster for the membership at the new rooftop bar.

Source of Obituary: Bright Funeral Home, Wake Forest 

 



 
  Post Comment

11/19/23 07:43 PM #1    

Julia B. (Judy) Allen

It's hard to imagine our class without Gordon.  He was a lively presence in school and at our reunions.  He headed up the first reunion we had and hosted several at his farm in Wake Forest.  I certainly missed him at the last one and find it hard to believe he's gone.


  Post Comment