Lloyd Welter Obituary

Lloyd Allen Welter, 82, of China Grove, NC, passed away peacefully at home on August 11, 2025, surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandson. True to form, he remained very much in charge until the end.



Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Al was the only child of Genevieve Welter (Hugh). While Canada may have been where his story began, Al was always meant to be an American. In 1987, he and his beloved wife, Barbara Anne, moved to North Carolina, where he fell in love with the state and never looked back--except to convince a long list of Canadian friends to move there too. He became North Carolina's proudest tour guide, spokesman, and relocation recruiter, spreading the gospel of warm weather, big opportunity, and even better barbecue.



Self-made in every way, Al purchased McRae Auto Recyclers in 1967 and earned his mechanic's license in 1968. Always the innovator, years ahead of his time, he sold the yard in 1987. Given his passion for racing, he started eight racing-related ventures, owned five businesses, and in 1989 purchased Millbridge Speedway, which he owned until selling it in 2014 to Ashly & Jeremy Burnett. He officially retired in 2015--though anyone who knew him understands he actually retired in June 2025 with his first trip to visit Brazil.



In addition to his work in racing and mechanics, Al poured time, vision, and heart into real estate ventures across Rowan County. He took great pride in improving properties, fostering growth, and leaving his much loved community better than he found it--an enduring legacy that Rowan citizens can be proud of. "Always leave something better than you found it." was an Al truism.



Al also had a soft spot for animals with rough edges. In Canada, he took in misunderstood dogs, rehabilitating and rehoming the ones he could and keeping the ones only he could manage at his shop like grumpy, four-legged mascots. Over the years, the Welter “zoo” included two squirrel monkeys, an alligator, a cow, a ferret, numerous house pups and kitties and--almost--an African lion cub, until Barb firmly drew the line. Even wild creatures found a safe haven in his shop. His current dog, Lucy, is a senior soul who will soon join him; her ashes will rest with his until the day Barbara's are added and all three are laid to rest together.



Al served on the China Grove Town Council from 2005 to 2009 and was a proud member of the EAA Flying Club, Chapter 1083. He loved NASCAR, flying, traveling the U.S. in his motorhome with loved ones and visiting American historic sites and landmarks. He was also one for quietly helping people in genuine need, never seeking recognition. He touched more lives than he ever realized.



Al was outspoken, fiercely loyal, loving, kind, protective, and gloriously uncorruptable. He had a way of challenging people to think for themselves, question the status quo, and strive to be better. He could spot nonsense from a mile away, call it out without hesitation, and still have you laughing while he did it. If you were willing to work, he'd mentor you. If you wanted coddling, you were in the wrong place.



His greatest joy, however, was Barbara, his wife and partner of 64 years. Making her happy and safe was his life's work, and together they built a love story that weathered everything life and love could throw at them. They shared countless adventures, from business ventures and political debates to motorhome road trips and quiet evenings at home by the pool. Al is survived by Barbara; his daughters Anne Sawyer (Lexington, KY), Lynn Khan (Ottawa, Ontario); grandson Mitchell Pitman; granddaughters Alisha, Aliyah, and Zahra Khan; chosen 4th granddaughter, Brenda DeMiranda; and great-grandson Barret Sloop.



Al lived big, loved deeply, spoke bluntly, and never compromised who he was. Those who knew him will miss his love of entertaining until bellies were full, the sun had set, the laughter had faded and the pool waves settled. They will miss his booming voice, sharp wit, and ability to tell you exactly what he thought--whether you were ready to hear it or not. And if you think this obituary is too long? Well, Al would have told you to pour a coffee, sit down and read every last word.



May his memory forever be a blessing.