John Ralph Upchurch was born January 14, 1946 and departed this life Tuesday, March 31, 2015 reaching the age of 69 years. He was the son of the late Roscoe and Montie (Chriswell) Upchurch.

He is survived by: his wife, Debbie (Sims) Upchurch of Manning, SC; and sons, J.T. Upchurch, Justin Paul Jones, and Eric W. Jones. He is also survived by: brothers, Earl Upchurch (Donnie) of Stearns, KY, David Upchurch (June), Wade Upchurch (Jeanie), and Roscoe Upchurch, Jr. (Vickie) all of Monticello, KY, Mark Upchurch (Sarndra) of Stanford, KY; and sister, Lela Ann Davis (Roger) of Monticello, KY; along with a host of family and friends who mourn his passing.

In addition to his parents, Roscoe and Montie Upchurch, he was preceded in death by: one daughter, Lisa Lanette Upchurch; and one brother, Jack Upchurch.

John was a dedicated Airman, having proudly served in the United States Air Force from February 1963 until November 1968. While John served in the Vietnam War as an Inventory Management Specialist, he was wounded in action, and thereby awarded the Purple Heart. After a time of rehabilitation, he returned to Lexington, KY and began working for IMB where he worked for 25 years and retired in December 1997.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 after 12 pm in the chapel of the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 6 pm at the Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be Wednesday, April 8 at 10 am in the Elk Spring Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy make take form of donations to The Clarendon Baptist Church Building Fund: P.O. Box 307 Alcolu, SC 29001

Full military honors will be performed by our local DAV Chapter 105.