Welford Lyon Coutts Jr.

Published 9:13 am Sunday, February 4, 2018

Welford Lyon Coutts Jr., son of Welford Lyon and Eunice Scherer Coutts, died on Jan. 31, 2018 at Trinity Elms Nursing Home in Clemmons, surrounded by family.

He was born in Richmond, Va. on Oct. 27, 1941 and graduated from Hermitage High School with high honors in math. He demonstrated talent in math and finance. He was often described as a genius in these areas, a fact that made him smile. Following high school, he attended Virginia Tech, where he majored in statistics. He was a proud member of the V.T. Cadet Corp and Marching Band, the Highty-Tighties, from 1962-1964. This band marched in President John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Parade and was chosen “Best Band” in the parade, competing with bands from across the United States.  He was always a proud and devoted Virginia Tech “Hokie” and football fan. Following graduation from V.T., he went to work for DuPont and worked with computers, in the early days of computers. His love of technology led him to subsequent positions at Philip Morris, Medical College of Virginia, and finally at R.J. Reynolds in Winston-Salem, from which he retired. During his time at Philip Morris, Welford obtained a master’s degree in business from the University of Richmond. His love of finance and real estate enabled him to establish a large and flourishing real estate business, DLB Enterprises.

Surviving: his wife of 50 years, Patricia; his 3 children, David Lyon (Melinda), Laura Catherine (Ray), and Brian Alexander; 7 grandchildren, David Lyon Coutts Jr., Savannah Sleeper Coutts, Cassidy Stiles Coutts, Sawyer Hull Coutts, Eva Marie Kline-Coutts, Sophia Elise Kline-Coutts, and Gabriel Wolfe Kline-Coutts; and a sister, Carolyn Baker of Richmond, Va.

The family was to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at Vogler’s Funeral Home in Clemmons. A funeral mass was to be celebrated on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, Clemmons.

Memorials: Alzheimer’s Assoc., PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.