Willard Howard Upchurch

Mr. Willard Howard Upchurch, 83, passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, July 8, 2016, surrounded by his family. Willard was born January 17, 1933 in Kings Mountain, NC, to the late William Faulkner and Grace Patterson Upchurch. After graduating from Kings Mountain High School, he spent four years in the US Navy during the Korean conflict. Following his military service, he attended Gardner Webb College where he met his wife Mary Ann. He graduated from Wake Forest University in 1959 with a bachelor of science degree in business. Willard joined R.J. Reynolds in 1959 and spent 33 years in management roles in the manufacturing and purchasing areas before retiring in 1992. He embarked on a second career as a sales and marketing consultant for 10 years. One of his greatest joys was spending time at Ash Tree Farm in Pfafftown, NC. He spent his free time on the farm with his beloved yellow labs, George, Henri, Georgette, Zach and Alex. He delighted in showing visitors his cows, pygmy goats, and quail. And he enjoyed sharing the produce from his garden with friends all over town. He was the consummate ""gentlemen"" farmer. Willard was a kind, compassionate man who was beloved and respected by all who knew him. He was a dedicated family man, devoted to his wife of 59 years, Mary Ann, and his son, Howard. He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings; brothers Grady, Ernest, R.W. and Marvin Upchurch and sisters Irene Edwards and Carolyn Bell. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann; son, Howard and his partner John Hoemann, and sister-in-law Doris Upchurch. He also is survived by a host of nieces and one nephew and numerous great nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel with Rev. Dr. Benton J. Trawick officiating. Burial will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park with full military honors conducted by VFW Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, July 11, 2016 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Forsyth Humane Society, 61 Miller Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27104.

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