Rev. JD Upshaw
Passed 09/12/2020
A Private Graveside Service for family only will be held with Rev. Lawrence Stephens, officiating. Public viewing will be held on Friday, September 18, 2020 from 12 noon-6:00 p.m. EST and Saturday, September 19, 2020 from 9-10 a.m. EST.
JD followed in the footsteps of his father, Reverend William Upshaw, III and was ordained and licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 1979. As an ordained preacher of the gospel, his education in the ministry continued at the Tennessee School of Religion (Tuskegee Extension), receiving the Degree of Doctor of Divinity in the year 2000. Pastor Upshaw had the blessed opportunity to shepherd over several congregations including Cedar Hill Baptist, Mt. Zion Baptist, New Bethel Baptist, Macedonia Baptist and Nero Baptist Church. His longest pastorship lasted for 36 years at Mt. Hilliard Baptist in Union Springs, Alabama. Not only was he a great preacher, he was an excellent teacher of the Word. He gave God the praise for every opportunity, accomplishment and achievement.
Pastor Upshaw loved his family and cherished the many gatherings that took place at the family home over the years.He loved and cared for the well being of his community and wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. He served two terms as Russell County Commissioner, District 7. His legacy of good works impacted the lives of many.
His memories will remain in the hearts of his devoted and loving wife, Bernice McCoy Upshaw, three daughters, Sheila Upshaw, Tallassee, FL, Sharon Upshaw, Chesapeake, VA and Nikki Upshaw-Yearby, Miami, FL; step-daughter, Tammy McCoy, Charlotte, NC; siblings, William (Eugenia) Upshaw, IV, Pittsview, AL, Phyllis (Gerald) Upshaw-Johnson, Acworth, GA, Dianne Upshaw-Cooper, Fairburn, GA, Herman (Minister Evelyn) Upshaw, Lithonia, GA, Burnia Upshaw (Antonio) Powell, Columbus, GA, Yvonne Upshaw(James) Williams, Mathews, AL, Phillip Anthony (Hope) Upshaw, Phenix City, AL and Jerome Upshaw, Seattle, WA; ten grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; two aunts; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.