Douglas Upton Obituary

Douglas Eugene Upton, 79, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, TN after a brief illness. Douglas was born in Vina, AL to Jack and Idora Upton on September 4,1945. He spent his young life in Fulton, MS where he found great joy playing football for Fulton High School and later Itawamba Community College. After completing his studies at ICC, Douglas enlisted in the United States Air Force. Shortly afterwards, on June 17, 1967, he married the love of his life, Virginia Ann Kelly. He then spent the next 4 years serving in the Vietnam War in the capacity of rescue and recovery. Afterwards, he returned home to Okolona where he and Virginia enjoyed the next 58 years of marriage together. During this time, he attended his beloved Mississippi State University where he received his master's degree. Douglas loved to work and was dearly loved by all his employees. He worked for 20 years as a manager for Southwire in Starkville, MS before working as a facility manager for the MS Dept. of Rehabilitation for the past 19 years. When at home, there was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with his daughter and family. He and his wife enjoyed shopping and spending their Sundays together. They never missed a Sunday service at First Baptist Church in Okolona, MS. Douglas will be greatly missed by those who loved and knew him.

Douglas is survived by his wife, Virginia Ann Upton; daughter, Kelly McCollum (John) all of Okolona, MS; brothers, Roger Upton (Janice) of Blue Springs, MS, Stanley Upton (Donna) of Fulton, MS; brother-in-law, David Kelly (Rebekah) of Okolona, MS. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Idora Upton; sister, Peggy Thorn; brother Charles Upton.

Services will be held at 3PM on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Boone's Chapel Church in Okolona, MS with Bro. Randy Lewman officiating. Burial will follow in Boone's Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-6PM Friday, July 11, 2025 at Mt. Vernon Chapel, 1716 McCullough Blvd. in Tupelo, MS and 2PM until service time Saturday, July 12 at Boone's Chapel Church. Mt Vernon Chapel is honored to be assisting the family during this time.

Pallbearers will be Doug Wise, Jimbo Ellis, Tommy Rogers, Kenneth Taylor, William Bell, and John Andrew Gregory. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Sullivan, Richard Stallings, Austin Waddell, and Drew Waddell.

Condolences for the family can be posted on Douglas' obituary page at mtvernochapel.com.