Neil Upchurch

Francis Neil Upchurch, age 89, died of natural causes on December 22, 2020, in San Antonio, TX. Neil was a loving and devoted husband for 66 years. He was a proud Army veteran, a fun and entertaining uncle and a loyal friend. Many family members, nieces, nephews, and countless friends and associates mourn his passing. Also missing him is his beloved dog, Trooper.

Neil led an interesting life. Born in Houston, Neil was adopted by his aunt and uncle at age 7 weeks at the request of his biological mother. It wasn’t until Neil was 36, after the death of his parents, that he learned of his adoption. He graduated from the University of Houston in 1955 with a degree in TV and Radio Production. He enjoyed a lifelong career in broadcasting, beginning with several television and radio stations in Houston followed by 31 years as a producer, writer and director for the Dept. of the Army. He was proud to say that he chose a vocation from which he never wavered. Until his death, Neil was a man of great intellect and sharp wit and a master of the written and spoken word.

Sports was a recurring theme in Neil’s life. In his early years, he was an athlete, playing football and baseball at schools in Houston and for Allen Academy. Neil played golf for over 70 years at many courses across the country. He was proud to note he shot his lowest round - a 73 in 1973 - at the Hermann Park Golf Course, located in the shadow of the hospital where he was born. He was a dedicated follower of college football, especially of University of Texas football, and a season ticket holder of Alamo Bowl games.

Combining his love of football and his expertise in broadcasting, Neil worked as a high school football PA announcer at more than 350 football games at Heroes and Comalander Stadiums from 2000-2018. He was proud to have announced Texas State Football Championship games in the Alamodome from 2003-2011. Close family members and friends enjoyed the honor of spotting for him in the press box.

For most of his adult life, Neil participated in automobile racing. He was a driver, car owner, official or race director from 1958 until nearly his death. Neil drove many tracks in Texas and Mexico as well as Talladega, Alabama. He founded and was President of the Texas Pro Sedans (TPS) and the Texas International Drivers Association (TIDA Late Model Series) and is regarded as a trailblazer of the sport in Texas. Neil received many accolades for his racing accomplishments.

Neil enjoyed good food, good music, good jokes and good company. And though he lived in and traveled to many places, he dearly loved his home state of Texas.

A graveside service with Army honors will be Monday, January 4, 2021, at 10:45 a.m. at the Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. Attendance is limited to 50. Masks are required. Condolences may be offered at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

In Neil’s own words, “God’s flagman has waved the final checkered flag on Neil Upchurch…and he has completed his life’s final lap. Good-bye until we meet again…”