Ronald "Ronnie" Welsh

Ronald Welsh of Sumter, SC passed away on March 5th, 2025.

Ronnie, as he was affectionately known, was a lifelong resident of Sumter. Ronnie graduated from Edmunds High School class of 1969 and pursued a degree in engineering from what is now Central Carolina Technical College. Ronnie worked for 34 years for the SC Department of Transportation as a surveyor and auditor. During his retirement, he enjoyed his time working for the Sumter County Career Center and Lakewood High School.

Ronnie was a character who loved his time spent outdoors. Many will fondly remember his love of sitting outside and listening to his favorite classic rock music while watching the cars go by. He also relished his time spent in Myrtle Beach with his family, sitting by the ocean and feeding seagulls. Ronnie had a tremendous heart for animals, taking in innumerable stray cats and dogs and providing them with a loving home. He was well known for wearing shorts year-round, despite the weather. He also loved to take his family on long drives, pointing out all of the roads around the state that he helped pave and work on while with the Department of Transportation.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Rowland and Madelyn Welsh. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 44 years, Mary, his daughters Sherry Welsh and Laura Welsh-Davidson (Robert), sister Linda Lyons (Frank), niece Christy Burgess (Brad) and his nephew Brent and their families. Ronnie is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Hailey Morris, Adelaide Gann, Colton Gann, and Ian Davidson. Ronnie loved being “Poppa” and loved his adventures with “Poppa’s babies.” 

A memorial service to celebrate Ronnie’s life will be Saturday, March 15th, 2025, at 11:00 am at Gateway Baptist Church, 536 Mimosa Road Sumter SC 29150. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am  with a memorial service at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Gateway Baptist Church or the Sumter SPCA. You can also honor Ronnie’s life by spending time outdoors listening to great music.