Ulmont "Gene" Eugene Upright

COLUMBIA - A funeral service for Ulmont Eugene “Gene” Upright, 91, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 18, 2023 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 17, 2023, at the funeral home.

Mr. Upright passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at home with his family. He was born in Kannapolis, N.C. on December 28, 1931, to Marshall and Essie Upright. He and his wife Joyce raised their family in Columbia S.C. for most of the last 60 years.

Gene is known for his work on television and radio and has been called “a giant in the industry” and “an ultimate professional” by his colleagues. He was fortunate enough to hold a variety of positions as a news anchor/program director at WLTX TV, and as programming director/producer/on air talent at SCETV. Some may even remember him as ‘the sports guy’ at WIS TV, wrapping up the evening sports with “this was sports highlights, I’m Gene Upright, goodnight.”

He began his broadcasting career at the age of 11, sweeping out a local radio station in Kannapolis, N.C. and having his own 30-minute show! During the Korean Conflict while in the U.S. Air Force, he was known as the Kyushu Cowboy on Armed Forces Radio, broadcasting from Japan to our troops in Korea. Gene possessed an incredible understanding and respect for the power of broadcasting and the written word. He keenly felt the responsibility to get the story right and deliver it without opinion. Gene sought out experienced journalists, local and national, for guidance. He valued his opportunity to pass along what he learned and to open doors of opportunity for many, including women and minorities. In his 91 years he never lost that wonderful, strong broadcasting voice that so many loved and trusted.

He was an avid square foot gardener, proud of his collards and tomatoes. Gene loved singing in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church choir and playing golf. He enjoyed his nickname of “Mr. 59” for one phenomenal round in his last local golf tournament.

Gene always said the best decision he ever made was asking Joyce to be his bride. Joyce passed away last fall, after 70 years of marriage. He was also predeceased by his parents, his brothers, and his beloved daughter Alice.

He is survived by two daughters, Lori Upright Smith (Theron), and Monica Upright (John Rich); six grandchildren, Marshall Smith (Gretchen), Jacob Smith (Ashley), Rachel DeVore (Darin), Joshua Nickerson (Kristie Sanchez), Drew Capps, and Alex Capps (Jack Wyatt). Also missing him are 11 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and his sister-in-law, Sue McKinley.

The family wishes to thank Crystal Blair and Susan Shank of Agape Hospice and Stephanie Turnipseed of Always Best Care for their wonderful, caring help. Also, many thanks for the loving support of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3909 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29204.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.