Hurley David Upton

Mr. Hurley David Upton, age 79, a resident of Cleveland, TN, departed this life on Monday, November 7, 2022. He was the eldest son, born on October 12, 1943, to the late Everett and Alice Upton. David accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and joined Mt. Bethel Baptist Church. After graduating from High Point High School, he attended Mississippi Valley State University with a degree in Health and Physical Education. He taught briefly in Alabama before moving back to Tennessee. David worked at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory until his retirement. In addition to his employment at ORNL, he was a part-time officer with the Sweetwater Police Department. Mr. Hurley David Upton served and remained faithful to his country while in the United States Armed Forces. His hobbies and interests included family, hunting, fishing, and sports. “Hurley,” as Davey’s basketball teammates referred to him, appointed himself as the team’s security for four years. He traveled to all their games during the four years that Davey played for Sweetwater High School. To the union of Virginia L. Clark Upton, raised four children - Jeff, Claytor, Dionne, and Davey. A subsequent marriage of 18 years to Lasala Webb Upton, they made Cleveland, TN, their home. They enjoyed many wonderful years together. Both cherished the time to travel around the world. He was a beloved husband, patriarch, brother, grandfather, and uncle. He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Alice Wells Upton; mother-in-law, Jimmie Ruth Wood Webb; brother, Everett E. Upton, Jr.; two sisters, Gladys Upton Berry and Helen Upton Moore; and brother-in-law, Louis Johnson. He leaves to cherish his memory: Wife: Lasala Webb Upton of Cleveland, TN; Children: Jeffery Clark of Etowah, TN; Claytor (Shelby) Billingsley of Sweetwater, TN; Dionne Upton of Chattanooga, TN and Davey Upton of Sweetwater, TN. Grandchildren: Cory (Jenna) Billingsley of Knoxville, TN; Kolbe Billingsley, Trinity Upton; and Micah Upton of Sweetwater, TN. Siblings: John (Aza) Upton of Itta Bena, MS; Frank Alvin Upton of Cleveland, TN; Stella (Samuel) Dial of Chattanooga, TN; Aline Johnson, Frances Bailey and Lincoln Upton of Sweetwater, TN; Sister-in-Law: Javanna Webb Upton of Cleveland, TN and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. with the funeral service to follow in Kyker’s Chapel. Interment to follow in the Sweetwater Memorial Park with full military honors.

Hurley David Upton

October 12, 1943 - November 7, 2022