David Conwell Welsh, Sr.

David Conwell Welsh, Sr, age 81, passed away on February 18, 2026 while at home in Aiken, South Carolina with his beloved family surrounding him.

David was born on March 11, 1944, in Darby, Pennsylvania, the son of James Conwell Welsh, Esq. and Suzanne Sagendorph Welsh. He grew up in Ardmore, Pennsylvania with his three siblings. Following high school, he proudly served in the United States Navy and was deployed aboard the USS Saratoga. In 1970, he went to Penn State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1974. Most importantly, this was where he met his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Sharon Nolan of Glens Falls, NY. Sharon and he were married on October 18th, 1975 at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Essington, PA and had two children, Lauren and David. They also had eight dogs, six cats, and two mules over their 50 plus years together. David had a deep love for animals, and his connections with them provided him a sense of calm and joy.

Professionally, David chose career paths that focused on three things he thoroughly enjoyed: people, cars, and golf. First, he built a long and respected career in the automotive industry, working and traveling the world with companies that were both small and local, as well as bigger, international companies like Volkswagen. He also founded his own business, Welsh Golf Equipment Company, creating and selling golf equipment.

Beyond his professional life, David enjoyed the great outdoors and everything it offered. David and Sharon moved to Montana in 2006, a chapter that he and Sharon deeply cherished. Time spent at The Ranch Club and with the broader Missoula community deeply enriched those memorable years. David enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, exploring, and taking many camping trips with Sharon throughout the Pacific Northwest during that time of their lives.

David was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Wendy Jess; his niece, Dawn Jess; and his nephew, Glenn Jess.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his daughter, Lauren Welsh; his son, David Welsh (Danielle); his sister, Janet Welsh; and his brother, Frank Welsh (Margaret). He is also survived by eight grandchildren—Kegan Welsh, Kohen Welsh, Owen Welsh, Nora Welsh, Peyton Sandmeyer, Mason Sandmeyer, Jadyn Miller (Jerome), and Camden Sandmeyer (Danica)—and two great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Jovi Miller. He is further survived by several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

David also had many deep friendships over the years. He was proud of these early and life long friendships, which have been a great source of support and happiness throughout his life. He was a devout friend and considered these friends like family.

“My father showed me what it means to have strength, grit, and resilience. He gave me these gifts in life, and I will be forever thankful. His sense of humor and intuition were remarkable, enjoyable, and unforgettable. His sharp mind, extraordinary memory, and decisiveness could be intimidating, but his support for those he loved was stronger still.” his daughter, Lauren, shared.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Augusta University Pulmonology Department, especially Dr. Joyce Gonzales and Stephanie Wright, NP, for their exceptional and compassionate care.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 21, 2026 at 1:00 pm in Aiken, South Carolina.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Fair Haven Funeral Home in Augusta, Georgia.

We carry forward his strength, humor, and unwavering love.