Don graduated from RJ Reynolds High School. After serving in the Marines for four years, Don moved to Charlotte and worked with IBM for 30 years as a field engineer. Upon retirement, Don returned to school and received degrees at both the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Don’s passion was reading and biblical research, which he used to teach Bible studies and Sunday school classes.
Don loved his family and will be deeply missed. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Carolyn Upton Earp. His surviving family is his wife of 57 years, Jeannie Gooden Upton; sons Brian and his wife, Janelle, and Darren and his wife, Susanna; grandchildren Abigail, Gavin, JT, Elizabeth, and Evelyn. Also, surviving are brother-in-laws Larry Earp and Kent Gooden; sister-in-law Kay Gooden Morgan; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
We would like to sincerely thank each and everyone one of you who has offered your support and care over the past few months. We will never truly be able to convey our gratitude.
A funeral service will be held 1:00 PM, Friday, February 3, 2023 at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church 1915 Oakdale Road, Charlotte. A visitation will be held prior from 12:00-1:00 PM. Burial in Forest Lawn West Cemetery.
Donations in Don’s honor can be made to Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church or to a charity of one’s choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnwest.com for the Upton family.
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