George Edward Upton

Published 3:55 pm Friday, October 23, 2015

George Edward Upton was called home on Wednesday October 21, 2015. He was a member and Deacon of First Missionary Baptist Church in Troy, AL where he was actively engaged in Sunday School, Bible Study, Financial and Health ministries.

Deacon Upton was born in Sweetwater, TN, attended North Point School and graduated from Sweetwater High School in 1970. He continued his education at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, where he completed his Bachelor of Arts Degree.  Being a strong believer in educational growth, he completed his MBA at Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA.  Deacon Upton was an avid reader, reading books, articles, and other publications and he always encouraged young people to read as well.

Deacon Upton was married to the love of his life, Gladys Felton-Upton, for twenty-two years. The couple moved from Orlando, FL to Troy in October 2005.  George and Gladys became entrepreneurs and provided numerous business services for the Troy and surrounding communities.

He was preceded to glory by his father Lex, Jr., his mother Mildred, his mother-in-law, Johnnie Pearl Felton, his sister Cynthia Harrison, brother Rev. James Houston Upton, and brother-in-law, Emmett Smith.   He will be forever missed by his wife, Gladys Felton Upton of Troy, AL;  his son, Christopher Upton of Houston, TX;  his siblings Ronald (Almeda)Upton, Margaret Ann (Julian) Blackshear, Lester (Valerie) Upton, Dennis (LaTonya) Upton, and Audra (Michael) Cox; father-in-law, James W. Felton of Troy, AL; sisters-in-law Maryanne Upton, Clara Fitzhugh (LD), Ida Martin (Rev. Lovell), Ann Felton, Catherine Felton, Dr. Linda Felton-Smith, Jacklyn Curtis (David); brothers-in-law Rev. W. James Felton (Sally), David Felton (Yuntrill), Clifford Felton (Regina), and Kenneth Felton;  aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Family visitation will be from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2015 at the First United Church of Christ, 1018 Morris Street, Sweetwater, TN where the Pastor is Rev. Archie Smartt.  The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. George Gilchrist, Jr., Pastor of  First Missionary Baptist Church officiating.  Interment will be at North Point Cemetery, Sweetwater, TN.  A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church in Troy, AL.