John David Upshaw, 66
November 2, 1957 – November 27, 2023
MANCHACA, TX / HOUSTON, MS – John David Upshaw departed this life after an unexpected, sudden illness on Monday, November 27, 2023, while visiting his parents in Chickasaw Co. during Thanksgiving holidays. He was 66 years old. John David was born in Houston on Nov. 2, 1957, one of 4 children born to the late Harrison F. Upshaw and Vivian Woodruff Robinson, who survives. He graduated in 1975 from Houston High School, attended Wood College, and later furthered his studies at St. Edwards University in Austin, TX. John David’s working life was spent as a building/restoration contractor. He was christened at Prospect United Methodist Church as a child. His dad of 31 years, Rev. Harold Robinson, is a former pastor of the Church.
A great lover of God’ creation, John David enjoyed hunting and fishing, was an ace billiards player and a pool shark extraordinaire participating in many competitive pool tournaments. He loved his guns, was an ace RC remote control car enthusiast, and was just born a people person, never meeting a stranger. He loved his native Mississippi and always enjoyed his visits home but also was a proud Texan for over 3 decades. Selfless with a big personality, John David always had endless time to help someone who needed assistance. His living was not in vain!
A service celebrating his life will be held at 2 PM Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Prospect United Methodist Church (200 CR 61, Houston, MS 38851) with his dad, Rev. Harold Robinson, providing spiritual meditation. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:30 PM at the church. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to serve their friends.
John Davis is survived by his wife, Carrie Upshaw-Cox of Manchaca, TX; his mother and dad, Vivian Upshaw Robinson and Harold; 2 sisters, Monette Upshaw Gouset (Jay) and Beth Ann Haigh (Campbell); 1 brother, Brett Upshaw (Angie) and his mother and father-in-law, David and Sally Gildart of San Antonio, TX, and their families, and a host of friends and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Harrison F. Upshaw; his paternal grandparents, Ruby and Harrison Upshaw; her maternal grandparents, Elkin and Lucille Woodruff; and aunts, Lura Holleman, Joy Murphy and husband, Bill, uncle, David Woodruff’s brothers, Elkin Upshaw and David Robinson, and a cousin, Stephen Murphy.
Donations may be made in memory of John David to Prospect United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 106 Hillcrest Drive, Houston, MS 38851.
Condolences may be emailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
