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Michael Leslie Upchurch

1948 - 2024

Michael Leslie Upchurch obituary, 1948-2024, Gastonia, NC

BORN

1948

DIED

2024

FUNERAL HOME

Stanly Funeral & Cremation Care - Albemarle

1835 Badin Rd

Albemarle, North Carolina

Michael Upchurch Obituary

Michael Leslie Upchurch, 75, of Gastonia passed away on July 31, 2024, surrounded by his family.
A memorial service is scheduled at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Blackwood Chapel Baptist Church, Candor, NC. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. No formal visitation is scheduled.
Mr. Upchurch was born December 20, 1948, in Mecklenburg County to the late George and Juanita Upchurch.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Upchurch in 2017.
Those left to cherish his memories are daughter, Amanda Tatum (David) of Gastonia, and son, John Tatum (Sonya) of Hickory, and grandchildren Lily Tatum and Chelsey Greene. He is also survived by special Godchildren Michelle Perry, Tonya Bostic and Mark Perry.
Mr. Upchurch was preceded in death by his brother, Leon Brannen.
Michael had a passion for all things sports. He loved to watch sports and he loved his time umpiring softball and refereeing basketball.
Michael was devoted to his church and served several roles, including lead Deacon. Michael has volunteered with the Red Cross for last several years.
He was known for his quick wit and his ability to tell jokes. His ultimate goal was to bring a smile to your face. Michael has a heart of gold who never met a stranger. He was always generous with his giving.
Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Upchurch family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Stanly News And Press on Aug. 3, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Upchurch

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Audra w/Stanly4Rent

August 6, 2024

Mr. Upchurch was such a joy to be around. We will definitely miss his smiling face, funny jokes, wit & Life Saver candies he would bring every time he came. Prayers for the family!!

Michelle Martin Williamson

August 6, 2024

Mike was a very special part of our lives growing up (even as adults). He was such a kind person that always gave the best hugs as well as lighting up the room with his smile and laugh. He will be missed.

Fran Lucci

August 5, 2024

I am so sorry for your loss. Mikey was a very special individual and will be missed. James and I will never forget him and how kind he always was.

Grady Klutz

August 5, 2024

Hate to see you go Mike & sorry for not seeing you often. May God bless your soul and may you rest in peace. Your friend Grady

Julie Aldridge

August 5, 2024

Mike was a unique man with his dry sense of humor yet kind heart. He is known as the "candy man" at our VFW post in Albemarle. Mike was such a thoughtful man, and we had many conversations over the years. He is loved and missed.

Steve Shaw

August 4, 2024

I am very sorry to read of Mike's passing recently. I knew him from schools: Dilworth, Sedgefield, and Myers Park High. He and his brother Leon were fixtures in the Dilworth neighborhood of Charlotte during the 1960's. Mike and I spent a lot of time as members of the Dowd YMCA on E. Morehead in Charlotte. Mikes signature 'Cannonball" jump off the diving board was a show stopper for all at to pool to witness. I am happy he had a great life and experienced so many friends, church members and family loved ones. May Mike's family be in continued peace. May Grace surround them even more.

Lisa and Shawn- neighbors

August 4, 2024

I will truly miss my "afternoon talks" with Mike. In the chaos of life, it was so restful to sit and discuss anything with him. There was never judgement. He had a way of adding humor and making you re-think any situation. We called it " free therapy". Sending healing hugs, love, and prayers to his family and friends.

Dave and Nancy Fortenbery

August 4, 2024

I met Mike in 1962 at church. Late in life, I would tell Mike that I was smarter than he because I was two years older! He would lean on that cane, and whisper " I know, that´s why I am two years prettier!"
Great friend thru the years.

Melanie Mahadeo

August 3, 2024

It was an Honor to be Mikey´s Hospice Nurse. He definitely was a special man. Praying for you and your precious family. May you all feel God´s presence and comfort during these days and the days ahead.

Lydia Evans

August 3, 2024

Mike was an amazing friend. He will be greatly missed. Condolences to his family.

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Memorial Events
for Michael Upchurch

Aug

7

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Blackwood Chapel Baptist Church

Candor, NC

Funeral services provided by:

Stanly Funeral & Cremation Care - Albemarle

1835 Badin Rd PO Box 207, Albemarle, NC 28001

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