William Barton Wellborn's Obituary
William Barton Wellborn, 95, of Davidson, NC passed away on February 8, 2018.
Bill was born in Arkadelphia, Arkansas and spent most of his early life in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. He was a winner of the Soap Box Derby in Shreveport, Louisiana and went to the national competition in Akron, Ohio. Later, he became a Golden Gloves boxing champion. He was a Captain in the Army during World War II.
Bill sold pianos, delivered pianos and ultimately managed one of his father’s piano stores in Harlingen, TX – where he met his wife, Marianne Harrell. He spent most of the rest of his life working in the piano business becoming a successful traveling salesman representing different piano and organ companies.
While spending most weekdays traveling Bill began writing short stories and novels at night. He submitted many of them to the National Writer’s Club and won several awards for his works.
Later, he turned to writing short plays and joined a writer’s club in Atlanta, GA. He won multiple awards for his plays and had several of them performed in small theaters across the country.
Bill and his wife Marianne were long time members of the Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church having spent 40 years living in Lawrenceville, GA before moving to Davidson, NC in 2016. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on November 1 last year.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Kathy Wellborn Copeland and daughter Gail Wellborn Shepherd. Survivors include his wife of 75 years Marianne Harrell Wellborn, daughter Mary Elizabeth Wellborn Ramer and son William Barton Wellborn, Jr. and six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 9 at 11:00 a.m. at Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia. A reception will immediately follow the memorial at the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church or the organization of your choice.
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