Bobby Welch

During the early morning hours of May 24, 2024, Bobby Welch left this world to be joined with his precious Brownie. He was surrounded by people that loved him. He was a Christian, a car enthusiast, a fisherman and a vegetable gardener. He spent the past four years missing the love of his life, Lavonne, who he affectionately called Brownie. He was stubborn as the day was long and if there was something he knew nothing about, he would surely talk enough to make you think he was an expert. We're going to miss him. He was 83.
Bobby was born to the late Jesse Earl Welch and Nina Mae (Martin) Welch on June 14, 1940. He was born in Gamaliel and raised in Newtown (the area around the current Tri-County building). Bobby had a brother and two sisters. Roger was the younger brother that helped him raise watermelons one summer when they were boys for extra money. They worked themselves silly only to take them to market to discover they planted them too close to the cucumbers. A rookie mistake that destroyed their watermelon business because no one wants a watermelon that tastes like a cucumber.
Betty was the older sister that Nina Mae thought was too fragile to go to school by herself, so Bobby was sent to school at the mere age of five to accompany Betty. Lavonne always thought that was what was "wrong" with Bobby and often described him as "bullheaded."
Nina Gayle was the baby sister that came along to Jesse Earl and Nina Mae later in life. She was a lot younger than Bobby but had a unique laugh that would make him smile. Nina Gayle could always depend on Bobby to keep her cars roadworthy and she always appreciated that from her big brother.
Bobby began courting Lavonne during high school and after many trips to Center Point, he made her his wife in August of 1958. They went on their honeymoon to Daytona Beach, Florida. According to Bobby, that was the first time Lavonne had ever been anywhere and he counted this as a crowning achievement.
Bobby and Lavonne attended Bowling Green Business College and soon after graduation they began their life in Tompkinsville where Bobby began working for "the Chevrolet garage." From there, he began his legendary business – Bobby's Body Shop. The Body Shop was a place where cars were repaired, career paths were launched, and tall tales were told. The tales could range from the latest fishing trip, to cars, to who raised the largest tomato, to family, and even to the latest gossip. Bobby owned the Body Shop for over 40 years.
Bobby and Lavonne have three children Charlotte, Cheryl, and Johnny. They made certain they had what they needed and that they got a good education. Their children were a source of pride for them.
Charlotte married Michael McPherson and together, they have two children, Jessica and Chad (Caylan). Charlotte is a Pretrial Services Consultant and a retired manager of the statewide Kentucky Pretrial Services program. They live in Tompkinsville.
Cheryl married Ricky Pruitt and together, they have three children, Barrett (Ashley), Garrett, and Ashley (CJ). Cheryl is an Optometric Assistant for Dr. J. Ashley Mayhew at Walmart. They live in Tompkinsville.
Johnny married Callan Carter. Johnny is a Senior Director of Product Design at Shipt. They are raising Bobby and Lavonne's two cats Honey Boo-Boo and Lucky. They live in San Francisco, CA.
Bobby was also very proud of his great-grandchildren Hannah, Emma, Jholdi, Rayleigh, and Clay. He always looked forward to visits from them. He had a number of nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews that he enjoyed, too. Lavonne's family was like his own and over the years shared many get-togethers and holidays with them.
Bobby also became very close to his caregiver, Melvina Walden. Melvina was not only a comfort provider for Bobby, but for his family, too. Melvina is one-of-a-kind. She brought joy to Bobby by listening to him tell the same stories again and again. She never said a word about already hearing the story, she simply listened and that is what Bobby needed. She provided excellent care for him, and he appreciated her so much. Over the years, Melvina has become like family to Bobby and his family. She was there on his last day to provide assurance and comfort to not only him, but to his family, too, and they had a beautiful prayer together.
The family will receive friends on Monday May 27, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Yokley Trible Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held Tuesday May 28, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Bobby suffered from Congestive Heart Failure, and he lost his Brownie to Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). For those that would like to donate in lieu of flowers, please consider the American Heart Association or the MDS Foundation in his memory.
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