Mr. James Robert Upson Jr.

Bob was the son of Carolyn Elmore Upson and James Robert Upson, Sr. (both are with him in heaven).

During youth, Bob won the Soap Box Derby, became an Eagle Scout, and was inducted into the honorable Order of the Arrow. At age 16, he graduated from Jenkins High School and entered Clemson University actively involved in the Baptist Student Union and was the Clemson Swim Team captain.

After graduation from Clemson in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in science, he was commissioned into the United States Air Force serving as Air Traffic Controller. He obtained a master’s degree in science from UGA and a second master’s degree from UNC at Chapel Hill where he met his future wife Anita.

He served as President of the Leconte Woodmanston Foundation and received GGIA Lifetime Achievement Award. Bob was featured in numerous newspaper articles, TV commentary, and magazine reports. He worked with senators, representatives, and councilmen to improve the horticulture industry.

In 1974, he established Four Seasons Garden Center. Since then, he and his business pioneered horticultural education and an arboretum in this area. His garden center received the 2007 GGIA Outstanding Garden Center of the Year award.

Throughout his life, he emphasized importance of education, created extensive insect, shell, rock, plant, stamp, and coin collections, lectured at garden clubs and schools, and assisted in non profit organizations.

Honored to continue his legacy are wife Anita Upson, mother-in-law Ora Lee Edwards, daughters Stacy Upson Fordham, Jenny Upson Reed, Laura Upson Morrison, son-in-laws Ben Fordham, Chad Morrison, Ralph Reed, grandchildren Alex Doyle, Chad Morrison, Jr., McKenzie Morrison, Nautica Chadwick, sisters Betty Stanley, Maxine Woolsey, his boys, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

His memorial service is 3pm Saturday, October 1, 2011 at Grace Primitive Baptist Church followed by a reception in the fellowship hall for all to attend.