Edwin Lee Upchurch

Edwin Lee Upchurch

Biography

Edwin Lee Upchurch, age 64, passed away on June 28, 2022, at his home in Bokoshe, Oklahoma.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents Jackson Lee Upchurch and Ruby Pearce Upchurch.

 

Ed is survived by his wife of 42 years, Linda Upchurch and their children Amanda “Mindy” Pope, Stephanie Upchurch, Eric Upchurch, and Zachary Upchurch, and grandchildren, Jayden Pope, Reagan Upchurch, and Maleah Pope.

 

Ed grew up in Little Rock Arkansas riding horses and racing dirt bikes. He was always a hard worker who moved up the ranks to a manager position in retail before leaving that position to work as a Tailor for Tom James Custom Clothing. It was this position that moved Ed and his family to Fort Smith, AR in 1988. Ed had a lifelong love of motorcycles and was well known for his time as a motorcycle safety coach sharing his enthusiasm with both new and experienced riders. He was also involved in various lives through the community from his nearly 30 years in the real estate industry: as an agent, a broker, a “flipper,” and eventually a mortgage lender. When Ed decided he was finished working in an office, he resigned his suit and tie to begin a successful lawn care business. Additionally, Ed maintained a small homestead; gardens and livestock were another constant in Ed’s life since childhood. His most recent accomplishment landed him a brief “Pit Stop” in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Ed never had a dream he didn’t chase and he never met a challenge he couldn’t overcome. This includes various water activities like sailing, scuba, skiing, and more, becoming a pilot, making cross country trips (and even sneaking into other countries for a bit) on his motorcycle, and a brief stint as a long-haul truck driver. From the seas to the skies and everywhere in between, Ed truly lived a remarkable life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was adored by many and will be forever loved and sorely missed. Our family is grateful to all who prayed on his behalf and otherwise sent well wishes his way. Ed is now at peace.

 

In recognition of his love of the outdoors, in lieu of a traditional ceremony, the family has opted for a brief gathering to be held at Sallisaw Creek Park to remember Ed and celebrate a life well-lived. This memorial will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. on the east side of the park and led by his brother-in-law David Ratliff. If others would like to speak, they are welcome, but please keep your time brief to allow others an opportunity to share and visit. If you would like to share any special memories of Ed, his family requests that you write those down and leave them with the family to be enjoyed together at a later time.

 

Arrangements are under the direction of Forever Memories Funeral Services

463505 Hwy 101, Sallisaw, OK 74955

Fmfsinc.com

Guestbook

16 Responses

  1. Ed was a trooper a good friend I’m glad I got the chance to meet him and work at pit stop. Don’t loose your cup in heaven because us girls ain’t there to find it.

  2. Sending hugs and prayers of comfort to the family. Ed was an interesting man with a family who loved him. I am glad I had the chance to know him.

  3. My wife and I had a lot of fun with Ed and his wife riding motorcycles several years ago. Every time we saw or talked to Ed, he was always the same ol’ Ed. He had a great bubbly outgoing personality. Even though we haven’t been around Ed a lot during the last few years, we will surely miss him but we will have those wonderful fun memories.

  4. I always greeted him as my “Favorite Ed” and his reply was always “how is my favorite Aleshia?” I will always remember Ed and I will miss seeing him 🙏RIP

  5. Ed and family became friends through the goat bus. He was one that I always looked forward to seeing at our sale. Our prayers are lifted up for the family.

  6. Won’t for get every time I go into the store ED will be setting at the table he sees me walk in first thing he says hello granny every time he sees me at the store. It’s not the same store with him. He’s such a friendly guy. RIP ED. Prayers for the family

  7. He was so nice and caring. He let the local Girl Scouts set up in front of Pit Stop and gave us water and few snacks while we were out there.

  8. I haven’t seen Edwin since childhood but I have so many happy memories. I hate we lost touch. RIP

  9. We are sorry to hear of Ed’s passing.
    We met Ed at the store, he was always so nice to us.

  10. Ed was a good friend he would come by the store to pick up something for the business we could spend a lot of time just shooting the breeze and enjoying ourselves talking about whatever crossed our minds. ED will be missed many prayers for the family.

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