Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

March 5, 2022

CHARLOTTE – Barry Welchman, 89, died Saturday, March 5, 2022, peacefully and at home. He was born May 2, 1932, in Brooklyn, NY, to Charles Gustav and Hildur Theolinda Nelson Welchman. Barry spent his childhood on Long Island and Ridgewood, NJ, and came South on an ROTC scholarship to Duke University. In June 1953 he graduated with a degree in Math and Physics, married Ann Harris of Charlotte, and shipped out with the Navy. His early career was in Intelligence, both in the Navy and then the NSA, working with computers and cryptography. Computers remained his focus, with RCA in Atlanta and Cherry Hill, NJ, and later with First Union National Bank in Charlotte (now Wells Fargo), from which he retired.

Barry’s career was but one layer in his life. The foremost and deepest was his family. Married to Ann until her death in 2017; she was the lynchpin, the love of his life. Together they raised Claire and David, and delighted in being active grandparents of Charlie, Diana, Evan, and Dylan. Barry rejoiced in his four great-granddaughters. Extended family of Harrises and Welchmans, Trexlers, Pearces and Morrises were cherished, and his family of faith, Covenant Presbyterian Church, was central to his life. He was an Elder Emeritus there, with many years as a Bible teacher, Stephen Minister, Habitat and Friendship Trays volunteer, once interim church administrator, and constant choir spouse. Barry and Ann traveled with the church choir and other friends, those relationships bringing joy and memories that lasted the rest of their lives.

Barry’s voracious reading, much of it purely for pleasure, also enabled many hobbies. He studied Greek and Italian, Biblical Archaeology, and History. He read cookbooks (thank you, Julia Child!) and for decades delighted family and friends with gourmet creations. He was a runner, a gardener, a woodworker, and a painter, particularly of watercolors. He attacked each new hobby with passion, learning not only how to do it, but how to do it well. He was a man of endless curiosity about the world.

Barry was predeceased by his wife Ann, daughter-in-law Elizabeth Morris Welchman, and sister Arlene Storer. He is survived by a daughter, Claire Trexler and her husband, Brent; son David Welchman; grandchildren Charlie Trexler and his wife Allie, Dylan Welchman and partner, Ashley Girth, all of Charlotte, Diana Trexler and her husband, Cihan Gursoy of San Francisco, CA, Evan Welchman and his wife, Caroline of Columbia, SC; great-grandchildren Barret Elizabeth Trexler, Sterling Claire Trexler, Selene Emel Gursoy, and Eleanor Reese Welchman; brother Alan Welchman and his wife Elaine of Waretown, NJ; and brother-in-law Charles Harris and his wife Joyce of Charlotte.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Covenant Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 East Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28204

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.