Donald Graham UpChurch

Donald is survived by his two children, Heather Nicole UpChurch of Smithfield, and Chazz UpChurch of Raleigh. He is also survived by his mother, Betsy Blake of Raleigh, sister, Becky Coontz (Paul) of Clayton and one granddaughter, Skylar Elaine UpChurch of Smithfield, niece, Tiffany Monarch and nephew, Blake Sinclair. Also surviving is his only living Aunt & Uncle, Peggy & Goochie Upchurch of Raleigh, numerous cousins, and stepmother, Betty Bell of Clayton.

He is preceded in death by his father, Homer Graham Upchurch.

Donald graduated from Enloe High School where he excelled in baseball and football. After going away to Methodist College, Fayetteville, NC, he decided to serve his Country and join the US Navy. After leaving the service, he married Molly Wooten of Garner, they were blessed with daughter Heather, and shortly after they moved to Florida. Working as Manager of an art supply store he continued working towards bigger and better things. Several years later he married Deborah Lynn Magoon of Westville, Ma., and was blessed with their son, Chazz.

Donald continued with opening Garage Door Sales & Service businesses in Ma. and had three locations. He was an accomplished writer, publisher, poet, song writer and musician. Donald loved to travel and had just returned from Japan with son, Chazz and had a trip to California planned for next week.

After the death of his wife, Deborah, in 2012, he moved back to North Carolina and bought into a franchise for Hanson Overhead Garage Door Service in Raleigh He was currently bringing the business to the next level.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 11:00 am, Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 E. Millbrook Rd., Raleigh. The family will receive friends and family immediately following at Saints & Scholars, 909 Spring Forest Rd., Raleigh from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm.

Flowers are welcome or donations may be made to the American Breast Cancer Foundation at www.abcf.org

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownwynne.com