A Life Story
Robert Cone Upchurch Sr, age 97, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. He was a loving son, husband, father, Papa, great grandpa, uncle and friend. He loved Jesus, his family, his friends, gardening, taking care of his yard, and fixing small engines. His favorite quote that he learned from his mother was "It doesn't cost you anything to be kind."Robert was born on December 11, 1927, in Statesboro, Ga. He grew up in Stilson, Ga, and played basketball in high school. Following graduation, he joined the Merchant Marines. He then served in the U S Army before going to work at Stone Container in Port Wentworth GA, as a diesel mechanic. He retired in 1992 after working there for 38 years. Robert was a long-time member and deacon at First Baptist Church of Garden City, GA.Robert was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 63 years Joyce Fryer Upchurch of Garden City, GA, his parents Julian and Ila Upchurch of Stilson, GA, and his 2 brothers and 3 sisters.Robert is survived by his sons Robert (Janice) Upchurch JR of McDonough, GA, and Alan (Susan) Upchurch of Maryville, TN, and by his daughter Cathy (Mike) Stout of Spartanburg, SC. He is survived by 8 grandchildren (Robby, Heather, Kristin, Penny, Chris, Amanda, Allison, and Mark), 17 great-grandchildren (Jordan, Haley, Macey, Noah, Syndey, Wyatt, Anne, Natalie, Ford, Cal, Grace, Amelia, Pierson, Elizabeth, Adalynn, Annalee, and Avett), and great-great-grandson Whit. He is also survived by 10 nieces and 6 nephews.Family, friends, and others whose lives Robert touched are invited to attend a visitation at Baker McCullough Funeral Home Garden City Chapel, on Saturday, February 22th, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A funeral service to celebrate Robert's life will be held at 11:00 am followed by a burial at Hillcrest Abbey East Memorial Park Cemetery.Since Robert loved the western North Carolina Mountains so much, the family is asking in lieu of flowers to send donations to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or online at www.samaritanspurse.org to help in their relief of Hurricane Helene victims.Please sign our online guestbook at www.bakermccullough.comServices have been entrusted to Baker McCullough Funeral Home Garden City Chapel, 2794 West US Highway 80 Garden City, GA 31408. (912) 964-2862. www.bakermccullough.com