Floral Bearers

Morning Star Temple #615

Pall Bearers

Brick City Lodge #688

Acknowledgements

The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern and kindness shown

to them during this hour of bereavement. May God richly bless each of you.

~The Family

Professional Services Entrusted To

Knotts Funeral Home 719 Wall Street

Sanford, North Carolina 27330 Phone: (919) 776-4345 /Fax: (919) 776-0911

www.knottsfuneralhome.com

Funeral Service: Sunday, October 20, 2019

2:00 pm New Zion Baptist Church

3324 Truelove Street Sanford, North Carolina 27332 Rev. Douglas Waterson, Pastor

In Loving Memory Of

To Claude Whenever– Wherever you needed me I was there for you because I took a vow. My heart is heavy right now but no one knew the bond we shared and it could not be broken

because it came from within. ~Barry White

My first, my last, my everything From Your wife, Carolyn

To the Family Thanks to Chris and Cheriss for being there making him

laugh and cut up “He loved ya’ll”, De-lo, Karma, A’Lajah,

Shieena. Chy’trice and Trin for teaching him how to

face time.

Tony, David, Joyce he looked forward to your visits and

talked about ya’ll after you left. “To His Mom” a mother’s

loves never dies “Your phone calls were so uplifting.”

From Carolyn

You Meant So Much by Cassie Mitchell

“You meant so much to all of us You were special and that’s no lie You brightened up the darkest day

And the cloudiest sky Your smile alone warmed hearts

Your laugh was like music to hear I would give absolutely anything

To have you well and standing near Not a second passes

When you’re not on our minds Your love we will never forget

The hurt will ease in time Many tears I have seen and cried They have all poured out like rain

I know that you are happy now And no longer in any pain.”

From: The Children and Grandchildren

Upchurch

Sunrise Sunset September 16, 1951 October 12, 2019

Obituary

Mr. Claude Upchurch III was born September 16, 1951 to Claude Upchurch Jr. and Lillie B. Upchurch.

He graduated from W.B. Wicker High School in 1969 and attended two years at A&T State University in Greensboro, NC. Claude worked for Heins Telephone (Alltel) where he became a telephone repairman until he retired. Claude loved attending church whenever he could.

He was all about family and he looked forward to grilling at Tony’s. Claude was a point-blank person and to the point about things. His smile was one in a million and if he could lend a helping hand, he would when and wherever he was needed.

Claude’s task in Sanford was fulfilled on October 12, 2019 when things took a turn around. His last goodbyes were said with a wave from the EMS ambulance. “We needed him here, but God needed him to fulfill a task that He had in store for him”. Although very unexpected, God’s will was done. He was all about family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Claude Upchurch Sr. and Bethina Upchurch and Alonzo and Beulah M. Brown; brother, Robert Mitchell Upchurch and father, Claude Upchurch Jr.

His love for his family will be remembered by his legacy: wife of 42 years, Carolyn M. Upchurch; son, Christopher M. Upchurch (Takia); two daughters, Cheriss U. Williams (Derrick) and Sondra Durham all of Sanford, NC; grand-children, Patrina Bethea of Missouri, Karma and De’Lontae Williams, Shieena, Chy’Trice, Shaddius, Chrishod and Christian Upchurch, Jaime Stackermann, Le’lani and Nolan Durham; three great-grandchildren, A’lajah, Shaddius Jr., both of Sanford, NC, Josiah Miles of Missouri; mother, Lillie B. Upchurch; sister, Joyce U. Johnson; brothers, David (Sharon) and Anthony (Jennell); uncle, Jason Upchurch; two aunts, Clara Clegg and Rebecca Upchurch; brother in law, John Maxwell (Ruby); two sisters in law, Ada M. Johnson (Randy) of Raleigh, NC and Pamela Hooker (Don) of Sanford, NC; a special friend, Walt and host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Order of Service

Prelude

Processional……………………………………..…...Clergy and Family

Opening Selection……………………………………New Zion Choir

SCRIPTURE READINGS:

Old Testament: Apostle Dr. Sharon B. Williams

New Testament:

Prayer of Comfort………………..………Rev. Dr. Ronald Thomas

Acknowledgements/Obituary…………………...Ada M. Johnson

Remarks

Selection……………………………………………...…New Zion Choir

Eulogy…………………………………………..Rev. Douglas Waterson

Selection……………………………………………...…New Zion Choir

Parting View

Recessional

Interment New Zion Baptist Church

3324 Truelove Street Sanford, North Carolina 27332