Johnny Ray Updegraff

In loving memory of Johnny Ray Updegraff, born in Chula Vista, California on January 31, 1959, and returned home on November 17, 2025.

Johnny was a man like no other. If he dreamed it, he built it. He rejected fear, he refused to compromise, and he never bowed to anything but the spirit within. He knew no boundaries when it came to designing and building. If they said it could not be done, he proved them wrong. They said he could not stretch a two door Jaquar and make a limo. They told him he could not design and build a building that the client wanted. He designed and mastered them both and the pictures tell the truth. He was truly a multi-talented man with vision and determination. If someone said, "I can't", he would say, "Can't, can do nothing!" He said he did not have time to have conservations that had no fuel in them. He meant what he said, and he said what he meant and he expected that from everyone.

He truly left his mark on this earth from cars to bird aviaries, fish/Koi ponds, metal buildings, homes, engines, and so much more. He put his heart and soul into every project and left everything better when he was done. He always gave more than what was asked of him, and he had a huge heart that loved big.

In 2004, 21 days after a moment of total surrender to God and voice inside him that said, "get dressed and go!" Johnny met Priscilla on January 21, 2004 – his covenant partner and soulmate. Their love was nothing short of divine appointment. From the moment they danced to George Strait, something ancient and holy ignited. For 21 years and 290 days, they walked side by side through valleys and mountaintops, in tears and laughter, in fasting and feasting, and they built a legacy that will outlast lifetimes. From "Classic Conversions," to "Images "N Photography," "Images in Construction," "Mended Heart Ministries," and "Where the Spirit Fly's Ministries;" the two became one and never looked back. Working side by side, building and ministering to those who lost their way.

Johnny had a way of seeing broken hearts and with his famous hug you were healed the moment he embraced you, male or female, it did not matter, it was his gift from God. He ministered using visual aids and as he put it, "thinking out of the box." Teaching from a simplistic platform. His phrase was "back to basics in a Christian life."

He was not defined by his stage four cancer diagnoses, nor by medical predictions. In fact, he outlived them all, relying not on the prescriptions of man, but on the whispers of his soul and the God who lives within him. "You either choose Western medicine, or you choose the universe of God. You can't do both-signed, Johnny."

He walked the threshing floor of suffering with open hands, laying down pride, pain, and doubt – receiving instead visions, signs, spiritual visitations, and the peace that passes all understanding. He was given five encounters with death…and returned stronger each time.

Johnny Ray is survived by his beloved wife, Priscilla Updegraff of Splendora, Texas; daughter, Brylynn Kilroy and Corey of Marysville, California; daughter, Chelsea Reue and Jason of Houston, Texas; stepdaughter, Rikki Lin Neel of Little Elm, Texas; son-in-law, Scott Neel of Spring, Texas; grandchildren, Taran and Kellan Neel, Jackson and Ava Reue; step grandchildren, C.J. and Preston Kilroy; grand nieces, Onui, Dorothy and Brityn; brothers, Richard "Ricky" Updegraff of Georgetown, Texas and Gary Updegraff and Cheryl of Corning, California; father and stepmother, John Updegraff and Shelly Piper of Summersville, Florida; beloved nephew, Daniel Hopkins and fiancé, Chelsea of Ace, Texas; beloved niece, Elisha Hopkins of Spring, Texas; along with numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, other relatives, and many "spiritual" family and friends.

He is preceded in transition by his mother, Jan Hamilton; stepfather, Benjamin Hamilton; sisters, Bonnie Jean and Karen Lynn; and others who now walk in glory.

Johnny did not want a funeral, he wanted a warrior's send off – a celebration of his life and of his soul with music, laughter, and testimonies.

Johnny did not die – he just changed addresses!

His final words: "I drew a line in the sand, not just in front of me – but 360 degrees around me. That is how I kept my faith. That is how I kept God in and the lies out." Johnny Ray

In lieu of flowers and plants, any donations are to be made out to Priscilla Updegraff; 121 CR 3709A, Splendora, Texas 77372; 281-844-0728.