Bobby Upchurch, 83

October 2, 1940 – July 4, 2024

PLANTERSVILLE – Reverend Bobby Van Upchurch, aged 83, passed away peacefully at home on July 4, 2024. Born on October 2, 1940, in Eden, Mississippi, he was the son of Joe Lester Upchurch and Addie Mae Vancleave Upchurch. Bobby grew up in Eden and Yazoo City, Mississippi, where he attended school, helped work around his home place, and enjoyed growing up alongside his five brothers and two sisters. At the age of seventeen, he moved to Tupelo, Mississippi to attend the Pentecostal Bible Institute (PBI). While attending PBI, Bobby worked at a local spring factory as well as Reed’s department store in Tupelo. After attending PBI from 1957-1958, Bobby moved to Apopka, Florida to join his brother, Joe, in ministry endeavors there. While in Apopka, Bobby eventually met and married Patricia Ann Kirkland, the love of his life for 63 years. The two were married on December 23, 1962.

With his beloved wife, Ann, by his side, Reverend Upchurch pastored congregations across Florida, North Carolina, and Mississippi during his fifty plus-year tenure of ministry while also providing for Ann and their three daughters. Bobby held various vocations throughout the years to support his family while also ministering, including newspaper carrier, Tom’s Potato Chips route driver, and insurance salesman. He served in his ministerial role faithfully, befriending and individually ministering to those around him, reaching souls for the kingdom of God through preaching the gospel, and impacting countless lives over the years. Among his acts of service, Rev. Upchurch invested ample time hosting events for the children and youth, visiting the sick, passing out tracts, and leading the charge on church workdays. He also led a church-based school and daycare with his wife, Ann, at their church in Lakeland, Florida from 1978-1981. His work ethic was unmatched, and his convictions were resolute: he loved to share his passion for hard work, serving God, and taking care of his family.

Bobby’s sphere of influence was wide, spanning years, covering several states, and involving many different areas of the community. Family and friends lovingly referred to Bobby as Daddy, Uncle Bobby, Pop Pop, Mr. Bob, Brother Upchurch, or Pastor. Spending time with family and friends, reading the Bible, being involved in church, telling jokes, listening to southern gospel music, and challenging friends to a good game of checkers were among Bobby’s favorite interests. He was known for his seasoned wisdom, sharp wit, infectious laughter, genuine love for everyone he knew, and diligent study of God’s Word. He enjoyed ministering and singing in church throughout the years, especially with his wife and daughters. In conversation, Bobby loved to share stories about his children, grandchildren, and family, noting their accomplishments with everyone who would listen.

Bobby Upchurch’s life was one of service – both to God and to those around him. He made it a point to put others’ needs above his own and share wisdom and love at every opportunity. In his later years, he developed a personal project of compiling a book of inspirational sayings. He made copies of this book and passed them out to family, friends, and members of the community. Anyone who knew him likely received a copy or at least heard him share a few of these sayings in conversation. In Bobby’s latter years, he soldiered through a difficult health journey, supported by his daughters, extended family, and loving wife until she passed earlier this year.

Bobby is survived by three daughters: Becky Wittke (Tony) of Columbus, Robin Fritz (Frank) of Plantersville, and Lori Green of Tupelo; four siblings: Francis Murphy of Clinton, Buddy Upchurch (Eloise) of Yazoo City, Carolyn Adcock of Largo, FL, and Marion Upchurch (Wanda) of Philadelphia; six grandchildren: Jonathan Wade (Laura) of Louisiana, Candace Sollie (Steven) of Caledonia, Dillon Pittman (Katie) of Tupelo, Camey Ratliff (John) of Plantersville, Clay Green of Pontotoc, and Addie Green of Tupelo; seven great-grandchildren: Alexis (15), Mckynlee (11), Conner (7), Victoria (3), Jadyn (16), Livianna (3), and Ozzy (18 months); and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents: Joe Lester Upchurch and Addie Mae Vancleave Upchurch; and three brothers: Joe Upchurch, Billy Upchurch, and Melvin Upchurch.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4 PM on Monday, July 8, 2024, in the Sadie M. Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors in Tupelo. Visitation will be from 2 PM to 4 PM. A private grave-side service will be held for the family to follow. Flowers may be delivered to Holland’s Funeral Directors, or in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Mississippi Chapter, 207 W Jackson St f, Ridgeland, MS 39157.

Reverend Bobby Van Upchurch will be remembered as a devoted husband; dedicated pastor, minister, and saint of God; and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His selflessness, giving nature, and love for God and others will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him.

Condolences for the family may be left on Bro. Bobby’s memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.