Obituary of Barry McNeil Welborne

Dr. Barry McNeil Welborne, age 81, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away on March 27, 2023. Barry was born in Winston-Salem, NC on July 29, 1941.

Barry was a devoted husband, father, physician, and friend. He was a faithful and devoted member of Providence Baptist Church and often called the church his second home. Dr. Welborne had a long and meaningful career as an internal medicine cardiologist. As a physician, Barry was dedicated to the care of each and every patient. He built strong relationships in his mission to provide the best possible care to everyone in his reach. As a young physician, Barry served as a flight surgeon and Captain in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. Dr. Welborne initiated the original cardiac rehabilitation program at Carolinas Medical Center. He attended both college and medical school at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill where he met the love of his life and soul mate, Joanne, and completed his residency at the University of Virginia. He was an avid runner, known to cover up to five miles a day well into his 70s with his loyal canine sidekick, Sammy. Barry cherished his many days hunting turkeys and hiking the trails of the NC mountains.

Barry is preceded in death by his parents, Mack and Hazel Welborn, and sister-in-law Patricia Welborn. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joanne, their children Neil (MaryLynn) Welborne of Cornelius, NC, Eric (Buffy) Welborne of Charlotte, NC, and Anne (Clayton) Mathews of Gainesville, FL. He had eleven grandchildren, Madison (Welborne) McGeehan, William, Jack, Joshua and Jacob Welborne, Logan and Jack Mariner, Matthew Tessener and Emily Welborne, Benjamin and Addison Mathews, and two great grandchildren, Nora Rose and Judea McGeehan. He also leaves behind his brothers Reich (Martha) Welborn, and Dick Welborn.

While Barry’s family grieves his death, they are choosing to celebrate the incredible life and generous spirit for which he was well known. His family invites the community to join them in a Celebration of Life and Memorial Service on Thursday, March 30th, 1pm at Providence Baptist Church. A reception will follow immediately afterwards in the Fellowship Hall.

Donations in Barry’s honor can be sent to Providence Baptist Church, 4921 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211, or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in care of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service.

Online condolences may be made at www.HankinsandWhittington.com.