Richard Calvin "Dicky" Upshur II

On the golden morning of September 18th, 2025, Richard Calvin Upshur II, affectionately known to all as Dicky, returned his vibrant spirit to the Lord at age 70 in the town where his melody began, Nassawadox, Virginia. Born on February 9th, 1955, to the late Richard Upshur and Barbra H. Upshur Mossett, Dicky's life was a testament to the power of joy and the enchanting language of music.
Raised on Upshur Lane in Accomac and an attendee of Parksley High School, Dicky became a true maestro of the Eastern Shore, delighting many with his innate musical talent. From tickling the ivories to pounding out beats on the drums, he needed no more than a simple tune to fill a room with harmony. As a core member of the band The Diamonds-alongside his lifelong friend Samuel "Sammy" Cooper Jr., Sharon Giddens as lead singer, and his late brother James "Fin" Upshur-he filled local "hole-in-the-walls" with vivacious vigor and unforgettable rhythm.
Dicky often enjoyed visiting the public library and surfing the web, where he researched two of his greatest loves: music and the Word of God. He was "married to his craft." Whether listening to it, playing it, or discussing it, music was always at the center of his life. Yet family was equally important. He adored his grandchildren, affectionately calling the boys "4 and 5." And no conversation with Dicky was complete without mention of his admiration for one of his idols, the musical genius Prince.
A cornerstone of the Christian community, Dicky's faith was as steady as the beat of a bass drum. He shared his gifts generously, playing for numerous choirs at Macedonia A.M.E. Church, where he was especially beloved by the youth choir-often keeping them laughing with promises that their taped sessions might one day reach the famous Kirk Franklin. Whether at Macedonia Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Tamela P. Wise, whom he deeply loved and respected, or traveling to Seaford, Delaware, to play for Refuge Temple Revival Center under the guidance of his spiritual parents Apostle and First Lady Williams, his reverence poured forth from every note.
St. Mary's Baptist Church in Jamesville also reaped the blessings of his ministry through music, most recently under the leadership of Rev. Milton P. Bunting. With the creative mastery of a true virtuoso, Dicky spoke through his instruments-the organ, the keyboard, or any tool of melody he could lay his hands upon. Reading sheet music was never his style; why confine the gift of God to bars and notes when faith had already given him perfect pitch?
A man whose laughter matched the timbre of his tuneful soul, Dicky's legacy includes his cherished children, Richard C. Upshur III and Gladys Owens; his adoring grandchildren, Jatavius, Jyair, Giselle, and Royalle; his niece, Nicole (Josue) Manzanares; and his great-nephews and niece, Nicolas Johnson, Sophia Manzanares, and Isaac Manzanares; bonus daughter, Marketa "Twinkle" Bannister, and three bonus grandchildren. His memory will also be treasured by extended family members, countless friends, fellow musicians, and church families who were touched by his music, joy, and light.
As we celebrate Dicky's ascent to the Eternal Choir, his laughter echoes in our hearts and his music in our souls. In his comical repartee with life, he left us more than memories-he left us the harmonious echo of a life beautifully lived. Let us tap to the rhythm he set forth, dance to the legacy of love he gave, and smile knowing that heaven has gained not just an angel, but a maestro. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Calvin "Dicky" Upshur II, please visit our floral store.