John Stanley Upton, Sr.

Mr. John Stanley Upton, Sr., 86, of Wadley passed away Thursday, August 3, 2023, at his residence following an extended illness.

John was born May 6, 1937, in Wadley to the late Thacher Upton and Roxie Lamar Upton. He graduated from Wadley High School. After graduation, he joined the national guard and served several years, later joining the United States Navy. Soon after joining the Navy, he married his wife of sixty years, Ms. Vivian Connie Price Upton. He and Ms. Connie had four children, John Jr, Cindy Leigh, Janet, and Kimberly. Mr. Upton served two years in Vietnam. He along with his wife and children lived in five different states during his time in service. Mr. John was a machinist while serving with the Navy and also during his civilian years, a total of fifty years. He retired from active duty in 1979 while stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. After retirement, Mr. John was hired by Old Dominan University in Virginia working with graduate students in the Engineering department. Mr. John also received a two-year degree after his military service. Mr. John then moved his family back to his and Ms. Connie’s hometown of Wadley. Mr. John enjoyed woodworking and knife making. He loved his savior, Jesus Christ, his family, and church. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Vivian Connie Price Upton; brothers, Roy Upton, Joe Upton, Clark Upton, Jack Upton, George Upton; sisters, Helen Tanajewski, Mary Smith, Jean Baird. John served in the United States Navy for 20 years.

He is survived by his son, Stan Upton of Wadley; daughters, Cindy Prigge (Marty) of Statesboro, Janet Wilson (Stephen) of Millen, Kim Upton of Evans; grandchildren, Lauren Burrell, Jessica Selby (Preston), Megan Williams (Marshall), Taylor Blocker (Dominique), Matthew Blocker, Abbie Johnson (Blake), Kelsey Upton, Victoria Smith (Wes), Sophia Zumbro, Stephen Wilson, Jr. (Brittney), Allison Wilson, Caitlyn Wilson; 16 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Funeral Services will be 3:00 p.m., Sunday, August 6, 2023, at Lamb’s Chapel Methodist Church with Reverend Chad Watkins and Reverend Bob Norwood officiating.  

Interment will follow in Lamb’s Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, August 6, 2023, at Lamb’s Chapel Methodist Church.

Pallbearers are Marlon Anderson, Taylor Blocker, Matthew Blocker, Johnny Kitchens, Keith Hall and Jeff Brunswick.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. John Stanley Upton, Sr., 86, of Wadley.

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