Lewis Marvin Upchurch, Jr.

Lewis Marvin Upchurch, Jr., age 85, of Fleetwood, NC passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at his home. Mr. Upchurch was born in Hoke County, NC on Wednesday, November 30, 1938 to the late Lewis Marvin Upchurch, Sr., and Mary Susan Spell Upchurch. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Susan Alexander. Lewis graduated from NC State University with a degree in Agriculture Economics after which he returned to Raeford and worked with the family business for several years. He also worked for Burlington Industries in Raeford for five years. Mr. Upchurch enjoyed woodworking, and was the owner and operator of Raeford Building Center for ten years. During that time, he and his loyal employees designed, built, and installed custom cabinetry for many clients throughout the local region. Because of his commitment to the local community as a business owner, Lewis was also the recipient of the Governor’s Volunteer Award for Business and Industry Volunteer Involvement. Lewis then returned to the family corporation, Upchurch Milling and T.B. Upchurch Inc., where he was president until he suffered as stroke in 1997. After the stroke he and his wife moved to Fleetwood, NC in the High Country where they enjoyed nature and living a simpler life. In 2023, Lewis began receiving at home medical care from Amorem Hospice until his death on March 14, 2024. The office manager of the Upchurch businesses spoke highly of Mr. Upchurch, saying “he was a legend in Hoke County where he helped many people.”

Mr. Upchurch is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Betty Daniel Upchurch. One son, Lewis Marvin Upchurch III (Lisa), of Costa Mesa, California; two daughters, Elizabeth Allen Upchurch of Asheville, NC and Mollie Upchurch Shanly (Matt), of Blowing Rock, NC; six grandchildren, Phoebe, Mimi, Max, Isabelle (Adam), Maddie (Wes) and Harper; one great-grandchild, Marvin and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 1:00pm at Boone United Methodist Church. A reception will follow the service.

Memorials may be made to Boone United Methodist Church; 471 New Market Blvd, Boone, NC 28607 or Amorem Hospice; 902 Kirkwood St. NW Lenoir, NC 28645.