Gary Paul Welchman

A gathering of friends and family will be held on Sunday, July 18, 2021 from 2-4 p.m. at Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel at 515 North Elm Street.

Gary was born in Nyack, NY on July 18, 1943. He was the son of the late Joseph John and Ileane Kleiber Welchman. He graduated from Nanuet High with honors and went on to Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont. After college, he was commissioned to The United States Army where he proudly served as First Lieutenant of the Armor & Engineer Board at Fort Knox, KY.

Gary worked for Burlington Industries as President, Klopman Fabrics and EVP of Burlington where he made major contributions to the success of the company’s two largest apparel fabrics division, and in the process had acquired a reputation as an outstanding marketer of apparel fabrics. In 1999, Gary retired after 30 years. He was an avid golfer, loved to garden and was a devoted father to three, grandfather to nine, and husband to Susan. He spent many years enjoying Hyco Lake in Semora, NC. and eventually started reading with children at Woodland Elementary School where he showcased his charm and sense of humor. He also enjoyed being a driver for Uber where he was able to tease his riders, in the way that those who knew him were familiar with. His reviews included words like, “one-of-a-kind”, “favorite driver” and “such a great guy”. He relished his role as mentor and tormentor and will be remembered for his booming voice, his loyal friendship, his larger than life presence and his gentle heart. He was loved and respected by so many and lived a rich and memorable life.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his brother, David Joseph Welchman. He is survived by his wife, Susan Welchman; children, Jane Stephens (Eddie), Elizabeth Welchman Scogin (Michael), John Welchman (Emily); grandchildren, Jack, Charlie, and Lilly Stephens, Ben and Alice Scogin and Gavin, Katy, Mason and Maddie Welchman; sisters, Ileane Welchman, Nancy Peters (Norman) and brother, Steven Welchman (Holly).

Thank you to all those who helped him through the last couple years, we are forever in debt. Memorial contributions may be made in Gary’s memory to Duke ALS Clinic, 932 MorreeneRoad, Durham, NC 27705 or to AuthoraCare Collective Greensboro, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405.