William Shelton Upchurch, Jr.

William Shelton Upchurch, Jr. passed away April 17, 2021 at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife Iliana Dominguez Upchurch, with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage last July; his three daughters and sons-in-law Lisa Upchurch Adams (Jonathan), Julie Upchurch DeLorme (John) and Emily Upchurch

Robinson (Kris); six granddaughters Jordan Adams, Reagan Adams, Brynn Adams, Parker Robinson, Erin Adams and Lauren Adams; and his two sisters Judy Huchinson and Linda Dilger. He is preceded in death by his father, William Shelton Upchurch, Sr. and mother Annie Edna Andrews Upchurch.

Bill was born the third of Bill and Edna's three children on August 6, 1943 in Miami, Fla., where the family lived a short while before relocating to Lake City in 1944. Raised as Shelton or “Shelt,” he was Bill or “Uppy” to those who knew him later in life. He attended Brandon High as an underclassman and, after the family moved during his junior year, completed his high school studies at Haines City High.

Taught from an early age to love his country and admire the men and women who serve it, he believed it was a privilege and an honor to stand for its freedoms and protect his fellow countrymen.

Fresh from high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on July 2, 1962 and completed jet engine mechanic technical training at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois before being permanently stationed at Homestead Air Force Base. He was deployed oversees with the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing Squadron and served temporary duty assignments at Osan Air Base in South Korea, Itazuke Air Base in Japan, Clark Air Base in the Philippines, Torrejon Air Base in Spain, Izmir Air Base in Turkey and Bien Hoa Air Base in Vietnam. He was the recipient of the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal and was honorably discharged on July 1, 1968.

Returning home from military service, he began his civilian career with National Airlines in Miami, Fla. After relocating to Clearwater, Fla. for a brief interval with Fairchild Hiller Corporation, he changed career directions and returned to Miami to begin what would become his life’s occupation with Florida Power & Light. He retired in 2009 after 41 years of service.

He revered faith and family above all else and looked continually to the former as he sought to fulfill his responsibility to the latter. As a dutiful and loving son, he respected, honored and cared for his parents. As a committed husband, father and head of his family, he was a steady and tireless provider, a living example of God’s love. He dedicated every day to serving the lives God had entrusted to his care.

He had a servant’s heart, and he loved and felt called to serve not only his family but also his church family. Over 45 years of active and faithful membership with Southwest Community Church in Miami, where he also served more than 25 years as a deacon, many received the blessing of his helpful, industrious nature and able workmanship.

He lived joyfully and was always game to get or give a laugh. He joked and played to the eternal delight of his three daughters, who will forever carry memories of taking turns walking on daddy’s feet, giggle fits and innumerable precious moments of silliness shared with their father – their hero and the strongest, funniest, greatest man to ever live.

He wasn’t a man to sit still. He was a tinkerer, a doer and a fixer, and he was most content when his head, heart and hands were engaged in a project. He was a natural wood crafter and could often be found in his shop building or carving – endowing some reserved board or lump of wood with a new life and purpose. Whether that purpose was pretty or practical, he took pride in perfecting every intricate detail of his creations for their intended use.

He enjoyed being outdoors – whether working or playing – and many a family outing and vacation involved an outdoor adventure such as camping, hiking and canoeing. He had a love of nature, instilled in him from a young age by his rural upbringing, and a prolific green thumb. He found sanctuary and fulfillment caring for all manner of green, growing things.

He was a man of deep conviction, admired and respected by everyone who knew him. He believed in the power of prayer, endeavored to seek and follow God’s guiding in all things, and to be a witness for God’s hope and everlasting salvation.

He embodied integrity, loyalty, a love for God and country, and instilled in his children the value of hard work and doing things the right way. Every task he undertook testified to his thorough and meticulous work ethic – no detail was too small to be unimportant.

He took pride in a job well done and an honest day’s work. His words matched his actions, and he taught by example. He valued time with his family and put the needs of others ahead of his own. He dedicated his life to serving God and the people he loved.

These are the defining values revealed in the life he lived and the immortal legacy he leaves behind.