Billy R. Upson

Mr. Upson was born Oct. 25, 1942, in Texarkana, Texas. After graduating from Liberty Eylau, where he played football for Coach Ronnie Bailey, Billy attended Texarkana College before receiving his bachelor’s degree from Southern Arkansas University. Billy joined the U.S. Postal Inspection Service that same year, and served with distinction all over the country before returning to Texarkana. After retiring from the Post Office, Billy devoted himself to adult literacy, where his work was honored locally with a Wilbur Award and nationally by the Point of Light Foundation. Billy later received a master’s degree from Texas A&M – Texarkana, before retiring again to sell fossils and gems and spend time with his grandkids.

Billy is survived by his wife, Frieda Upson of Texarkana; daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Doug Dodge of Dallas; son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Giovana Upson of Naples, Fla.; sister, Rebecca Lohman of Marysville, Wash.; and two grandchildren, Ethan Upson and Emma Upson.

Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at East Funeral Home, Moores Lane with Tommy Gaither officiating. Burial will be in Chapelwood Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to a favorite charity.

Online registration is at eastfuneralhomes.com.