Preston Carl Upshaw III

Preston Carl Upshaw III passed away at the young age of 48. Preston was born to Preston Carl Upshaw, Jr. and Katherine Gilman Upshaw at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia on November 28, 1967. Preston was a genuine, kind, optimistic, and caring man who placed God at the forefront of his life, no matter what adversities came his way. He was admired by and uplifting to those surrounding him; a juggernaut of patience, faith, and positivity. The smile on his face would brighten anyone’s day, and he could make anyone laugh with his great sense of humor. He served as a mentor to many who were close to him, as he possessed all the qualities of a true leader. Many were drawn to Preston’s leadership, as well as his ability to heal, motivate, and bring people to God. His generous heart saw the best in everyone, giving all the benefit of the doubt. He saw past imperfections, and those whom he loved were loved unconditionally.

There could never be enough kind words to accurately portray the character of such a moral, upright, and Godly man. All who came to know him during his life can attest to this and they are certainly forever changed for the better. As amazing as Preston was, he was always working diligently to better himself as a person in all facets of his life. He was always looking for ways to strengthen his relationship with God and he always aspired to “do the next right thing.” He took time regularly to read and study works of leadership, success, motivation, and spirituality. He meditated and prayed daily on the things he learned. He passionately sought to bring these things to fruition in his life, and instill them in his household. His words still echo in the hearts and minds of his wife and two sons.

1.) “Accept Jesus Christ into your heart as your Lord and Savior. Let him in.”

2.) “Work hard. God can move mountains, but you better bring a shovel.”

3.) “Have a vision. Know where you want to go; what you want to do, and don’t let the universe decide.”

Preston studied at Georgia Southern and later in his life added to his education by attending Kaplan University. In his spare time, Preston enjoyed supporting the Atlanta Falcons, playing tennis, reading, traveling, watching movies, going out to eat, spending quality time with his family, as well as gaming on occasion (to his wife’s dismay). He also took great pride in encouraging and aiding his family in their endeavors. He also enjoyed spending time playing and napping with the “furbabies” Zorro and Lolita.

Preston also had a love for adventure; taking leaps outside of his comfort zone and “defying the odds.” Having come from a musical family, Preston was also very musically inclined. He often played guitar in the praise band with his sons, Mason and Cameron, and his sister Kathy at Ball Ground United Methodist Church. He also regularly attended Riverstone Church with his wife, Elizabeth.

Preston Carl Upshaw III is preceded in death by his father, Preston Carl Upshaw, Jr. and mother, Katherine Gilman Upshaw. Survivors include his “beautiful bride” Elizabeth Emily Upshaw of Acworth; Sons, Mason Wesley Upshaw and Cameron Gilman Upshaw of Acworth; sister, Katherine Upshaw Barbosa, her husband Edgardo Luis Barbosa, and their daughter Katiána Leigh Barbosa Upshaw of Ball Ground; “Furbabies,” Zorro and Lolita; as well as countless friends who loved him dearly.

The family will receive friends 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home in Kennesaw, 2950 North Cobb Pkwy. Kennesaw, GA 30152. A Celebration of Life will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 21, 2016 in the funeral home’s chapel with Pastor Mark and Pastor Nelson officiating. Cremation will follow. For both days, the family encourages visitors to wear Atlanta Falcons colors or attire in honor of Preston’s avid love for the Atlanta Falcons. in lieu of flowers we would very much appreciate a donation to one of the following, "in honor of Preston Carl Upshaw III"

-Dock Crandell Scholarship Fund

Atlanta Men’s Workshop

9760 Loblolly Lane

Roswell GA 30075

WGSanders@mac.com

(or)

-kbba.org

Kell Band Booster Association

4770 Lee Waters Rd.

Marietta, GA 30066