Robert "Bob" Carroll Welch

It is with great sadness that the family of Robert C. Welch (Bob), age 80 of Austin, Texas formerly of Seymour, Tennessee passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 9th, 2026, after a year-long battle with cancer. Born on November 6th, 1945, in Sparta, TN to parents Elma Lee and Woodrow Wilson Welch. Bob was also preceded in death by his sisters, Kay Beavers, Gail Welch and Janice Kirby. Also preceding him in death were his beloved fur babies, Missy, Molly, Mattie and his grand fur babies Dustin and Addie-Mae.

He is survived by his soulmate of 52 years, Tina, his son Robert C. Welch II (Leeanne), daughter Ashley Brown (Jarrett), beloved grandchildren, Tristan and Raelynn, sister, Rhonda Welch, nephew Dylan Kirby, nieces McKayla Beavers, Sammi Best (Mike), bonus children Craig Oliver, Jennifer Smith (Matt), bonus grandchildren, Jacob, Shane, Aidan, Jase, and many other family, friends and loved ones.

At the age of 16, Bob graduated from White County High School and at 17 he enlisted in the United States Navy. There, he volunteered for and successfully completed BUD/S training, ultimately, he joined SEAL Team Two and served four combat tours in Vietnam. After leaving the Navy, he began a career in IT. While beginning his career in IT, he met the love of his life, who worked as a secretary in his department. She asked him out, and they began their 52-years of life together.

He served as Director of IT for Bike Athletic, Russell Athletic, BAE Systems and his own consulting firm, Hooyah Consulting (if you know, you know). Outside of work, Bob enjoyed spending his Sundays on the golf course with his son and friends. He achieved his lifelong dream of playing the Augusta National Golf Course and attending The Masters tournament, thanks to his son-in-law. He was a die-hard fan of the Dodgers, Steelers, and University of Tennessee Volunteers. He was a voracious reader and the kind of person you always wanted on your trivia team. He was “ChatGPT” before there was ChatGPT.

He was a good man-steady, loyal, and the kind of person you could always count on. If anyone needed anything he was there without hesitation. Whether it was helping you out of a tough spot or standing by your side when things got heavy, he showed up-no questions asked, no judgment, just support. That’s just who Bob was. Above everything else, his grandchildren were his greatest loves- the unexpected blessings he never thought he would have but cherished more than anything.

Details regarding services will be shared at a later date.