Bobby Lee Welch, age 78, of Dillard, passed away on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Born on June 19, 1947, in Rabun County, GA, Bobby was a hardworking and principled man who dedicated his life to building through his work in construction, and in the civic sense through his years of public service.

A skilled builder, Bobby founded and operated Bobby Welch Construction, a respected home construction company that served Rabun County for 60+ years. Through his craftsmanship, countless families found not just houses, but homes, that were built with care, integrity, and pride.

His passion for building extended beyond business into service. Bobby served on the Rabun County Board of Commissioners from 1995 to 2002, where he became known for his commonsense leadership, strong work ethic, and unwavering dedication to his community.  He advocated for responsible development, infrastructure improvements, and policies that reflected the values of the people he served.

Bobby was a man of deep Christian faith. He lived his life guided by strong moral values. His faith was the foundation of his work, his service, and the strong love he had for his family,

Outside of his professional life Bobby was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He was a man who cherished simple joys, happiest when singing his favorite songs, working on his street rods, or enjoying visits from his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. But, if you asked him what his favorite joy was, he would have said "spending every minute with my precious wife," who he loved with all his heart.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Annette Welch, sons, Bo Welch (Jennifer), Andrew Welch (Jessica); daughters, Lynn Shedd (Dennis), Kim Carpenter; grandchildren, Forrest Welch, Weston Welch (Bailey), Kerrigan Welch, Brendalyn Welch (Brent), Shanda Hudgins (Kevin), TJ Wilson (Kellie), Josh Carpenter (Erica); and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Humphrey Welch and Grace Gunn Welch; daughter, Melaine Myers; grandchild, Valarie Billingsley Welch; great grandchildren, Cody Hudgins and Luna Rae Welch; siblings, William Welch, Junior Welch, Mary Jane Dickerson, Judy Moss, Elaine Lowery.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, October 1st, from 6-8pm, at Beck's Funeral Home. A service to honor and celebrate Bobby's life will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 1pm at the Head of Tennessee Baptist Church in Dillard, with interment to follow in the church cemetery.

Bobby was a man with a heart full of love for his family, and his presence may be gone, but his legacy lives on in every life he touched.

"Well done, good and faithful servant,"(Matthew 25:21) 

Bobby lived a life of purpose, faith and love, and now rests in the arms of his Lord.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund, PO BOX 485, Rabun Gap, GA 30568.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Bobby Lee Welch. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.