William Upton

William L. Upton, Jr., age 80, of Forest City, passed away, Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at home following an extended illness. Mr. Upton was born February 13, 1927 in Rutherford County to the late William L. Upton, Sr., and Carmi Flack Upton. He grew up in the Sunshine, NC area. Mr. Upton was a veteran of World War II having served in the United States Army. He was assigned to the security unit providing support for the Nuremburg Trials. He married Virgie Toney on April 15, 1949. He had worked for many years for Lutz-Yelton Oil. He and his wife later owned and operated V J's Restaurant in Caroleen, NC until 1990. He was a long-time member of Floyd's Creek Baptist Church serving in several capacities including Deacon, Sunday school Superintendent, and Sunday school teacher. He also worked for the Board of Elections as a precinct chairman. He was an avid Tarheel fan. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, and four sisters.

Mr. Upton is survived by his wife, Virgie, of the home; two sons, Boyce Upton of Sunshine, NC, and Blaine Upton and his wife Myra of Rutherfordton, NC; one daughter, Brenda Upton of Forest City, NC; two brothers, Dwight Upton, of Marion, NC and L.D. Upton of Caroleen, NC; a sister, Cleone Gamble of Spindale, NC. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Amelia Upton and Maggie Upton; and by his mother-in-law Maggie Gault.