Chad Clayton Upton

Chad Clayton Upton

July 2, 1967 - February 17, 2026

Chad Clayton Upton, born on July 2, 1967, in Nashville, Tennessee, passed away on February 17, 2026.

Chad will be remembered as someone who brought laughter wherever he went. A natural comedian at heart, he loved telling jokes and making others smile, especially during difficult moments. He had a playful spirit and a mischievous side, often bending the rules just to get a laugh. Those who knew Chad understood that his humor was his way of connecting with people and lifting their spirits.

He shared a very close bond with his family. Chad is survived by his sisters Tammie Parsons, Sherrie Upton, and Terrie LaFevor, who lovingly described herself as his biggest fan - a reflection of the special connection they shared. Although Chad was estranged from his other sisters and they had not been in contact, they still loved him deeply. Everyone who knew Chad knew how close he and Terrie were.

Chad was also the father of several children: Jennifer, his oldest, along with Josh, Makayla, Caleb, and Dillon. He was a proud grandfather to Audrey Isabelle Michael and Braxton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest L. Upton and Virginia Mae Henson.

Though his life had its challenges, Chad's ability to make people laugh and his unforgettable personality will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

The Dash

by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak

at the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on the tombstone

from the beginning…to the end.

He noted that first came the date of birth

and spoke the following date with tears,

but he said what mattered most of all

was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time

that they spent alive on earth.

And now only those who loved them

know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,

the cars…the house…the cash.

What matters is how we live and love

and how we spend our dash.

So, think about this long and hard.

Are there things you'd like to change?

For you never know how much time is left

that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough

to consider what's true and real

and always try to understand

the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger

and show appreciation more

and love the people in our lives

like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect

and more often wear a smile,

remembering that this special dash

might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read,

with your life's actions to rehash…

would you be proud of the things they say

about how you spent YOUR dash?