William Howard Welsh

William H. Welsh, true Ohio State Buckeye fan, fast car aficionado and passionate lover of life was surrounded by family and friends July 30th as he lost his valiant and inspiring duel with lung cancer. Known for his sense of humor and hearty laugh, Bill leaves our world much happier than when he arrived.

Born to Paul Chilton Welsh and Elizabeth Jane Tharp Welsh of Columbus on October 22, 1953, Bill earned quite the reputation as a member of the Brookhaven Class of 1971, and attended The Ohio State University.

Most recently, Bill served Taliaferro Enterprises for 19 years as its general manager, and NAPA Auto Parts for 14 years prior. His career in the automotive industry fueled his off-hours’ enthusiasm for NASCAR cheering for Mark Martin.

Bill often enjoyed listening to The Beatles and watching The Wizard of Oz with his grandchildren. On his best days he enjoyed skydiving and parasailing. Always in style were his Buckeye shirts and other assorted novelty shirts. A room in his home was dedicated to Ohio State University as well as another one dedicated to NASCAR. Bill loved animals and took great comfort in his ever-present dog, Berlin. His happiest moments were spent with family members, whether it was "working from home" with Brian Ballmann or French Toast Fridays with brother-in-law, John Boyd. One of Bill's proudest moments was accompanying his father to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider with President Gerald Ford.

Bill traveled the world with his beloved wife, Debbie Boyd Welsh, and cherished his 13 years with her. Bill and Debbie shared grandparenting of Kirsten and Chelsey Alfman, daughters of Jennifer Ballmann Alfman of Blacklick. Bill appreciated fishing and fireworks with Brian and Kimmy Kirk Ballmann at Harbor Hills on Buckeye Lake. Bill was blessed with a large extended family and leaves older sister Judi Welsh Hamman (Bob) of Cincinnati; nephews Robbie and Jason Hamman; and Vicki Carey (Skip) of Port Orange, Florida; stepdaughters Jacki Austria (Bob), son Bobby, all of Columbus; and Kim Roberts (Eric) and son, Cameron, of Greenville, South Carolina. Helen D. Camp was his first wife.

Private graveside services will be held in the chapel at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 5600 E Broad St, Columbus 43213. Family and friends will be invited to Bill’s Celebration of Life Service beginning at 12:30 p.m. with a meal and fellowship and at 2:00 p.m. Celebration of Life Service at Eastside Vineyard Church located at 333 Jericho Rd. Pickerington, OH 43147.

The church family at Eastside Vineyard Church in Pickerington nurtured their marriage, their family and their faith. In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to Eastside Vineyard Church in Bill Welsh's memory. Arrangements handled by KAUBER-SAMMONS FUNERAL HOME.