Jonathan Ryan Upton

Jonathan Ryan Upton

ELIZABETH CITY - Jonathan Ryan Upton, age 36, of 420 Temple Road, Elizabeth City, NC passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a brief battle with cancer on September 25, 2018 at Sentara Albemarle Hospital.

Born in Elizabeth City on March 29, 1982 to John Robert Upton, Sr. and Mary Hensley Upton, Ryan was an equipment operator with the North Carolina Department of Transportation and loved his job and his many coworkers. He was especially close to his friend and mentor, Shelton James. He had a love for life, telling jokes, and spending time with family and friends. Ryan was an avid football fan and loved his 49ers. He was grateful to have recently accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by two sons, Horace Heath Upton and Jase Allen Upton; his girlfriend, Amanda Hassell, and her son, Julian Dance; a brother, Robbie Upton, and his wife, Lauren, and their children, Hayes and Caroline Upton; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and other extended family. Ryan was preceded in death by his sister, Brianne Meghan Upton, maternal grandparents, Ralph and Nola Hensley, paternal grandparents, George and Sudie Upton and J. C. and Betty Lou Upton.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 28, 2018 at Ramoth Gilead Baptist Church with Pastor Dale Forbes officiating. Burial will be in the Community Cemetery on Horseshoe Road, South Mills, NC. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 7:00 ~ 8:30 p.m., immediately following the funeral service in the Family Life Center of the Church, and at all other times at 402 McBride Street, South Mills, NC.

Memorial donations may be made to an account set up for the care of his children. Donations can be sent to the attention of Robert Upton, 1321 Helmsdale Drive, Cary, NC 27511.

Twiford Funeral Home, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is serving the Upton family.

Online memorial condolences may be sent to the family at www.TwifordFH.com.

As published in The Daily Advance