Ronald Wayne Upchurch

Ronald Wayne Upchurch, 78, of Johnston County, passed away on August 9, 2026. He was born in Durham, NC to Lucius Upchurch and Gladys Clark, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Durham High School and was drafted to Vietnam to serve two years that gave him the agent orange that eventually would kill him. He came back to work at IBM and retired; to then work for Verizon.

Ronnie as he liked to be called, was an amazing man. He was a great son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend to all. He loved his family dearly. He was one of the most giving people you could encounter. He fed neighbors by going to food drives and bringing them groceries. He gave rides to those who had no car. He drove to check on everyone. He gave to charities, especially the Wounded Warrior Project. He was proud of his time served and watched too many brothers die. He was a Duke fan and loved the matches with UNC because he and his daughter share the love of sports (while she is a UNC fan).

In addition, Ronnie was a great singer. He won Battle of the Bands in Durham while in High School. He went on to contribute his talent to singing in churches and funerals for friends, while having the best versions of Amazing Grace and Unchained Melody, that would beat most professionals.

He is survived by his only child, Susan Upchurch Ramsey, for whom their bond was unbreakable. He treated his daughter with the most love. She loved and respected him more than most people ever have the opportunity to experience and was there to take care of him as he took care of her. A blessing sums it up. They enjoyed fishing and he taught her at the age of three with a bamboo pole how to catch bass and instilled her passion that continues. He also instilled in her the love for the Lord and her belief in God.

He is survived by his sisters, Deborah Overton with husband Terry, Gwen Utley with partner Sandy, Lynda Self and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He loved and treasured his time with them and had the strongest bond being the protective big brother to his sisters. He is proceeded in death by his brothers Jay Ward & Michael Upchurch, that gave him many laughs and happiness. He also had the best moments with Ethel Clark his grandmother, who made the best chicken and dumplings. He loved going to the country to see Bertha and Roman Upchurch, his grandparents. Roman always had candy available and Bertha made the best homemade biscuits you could ever taste.

His grandchildren, Luke Ramsey and Clara Cadieux (husband Victor) are both his other pride and joy. He was a great grandfather, who would show up to every child's award ceremony and graduation, and volunteer in class to help with reading and math. He loved the ability to provide ice cream for the entire lunchroom at West View Elementary for their years there. He would volunteer with his daughter in the PTA events and never skipped a movie night with them. He honestly wanted nothing but time with them.

To those who loved him, or blessed to know him, please know he loved you too or your time. Remember his kindness and pay it forward. That would be his greatest wish. And as he taught his daughter, "Therefore by the grace of God we go."