Frederick "Freddie" Upchurch

frederick

Frederick “Freddie” Abel Upchurch, 80, of Robbins, NC passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, April 7th, 2024 at Peak Resources Pinelake, Carthage.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 6-8 PM at Kennedy Funeral Home in Robbins and other times at the home. 

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Highfalls United Methodist Church. Pastor Cameron Dockery and Reverend Brian Perry will officiate.

Freddie, a native of Highfalls, was the son of the late W. N. “Jack” and Evelyn Smith Upchurch. He served as a volunteer fireman in Robbins Fire Department for over 40 years and was bestowed Lifetime Honorary Membership upon his retirement, at the rank of Captain. His support of the fire department continued, serving as the current Chairman of the Robbins Fire Rescue Relief Fund, Board of Trustees, North Carolina State Firefighters Association. He and wife Neva served for over 25 years at Sandhills Community College before retiring in 2002. On most weekends he and Neva could be found square dancing, camping, riding his Gold Wing motorcycle or cruising in one of his many classic cars. He loved participating in and organizing car shows and cruise-ins.  His passion led to his 2020 induction into the Moore County Car Show & Cruise-In Hall of Fame.

Freddie was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. He never met a stranger and was sure to leave you with a laugh. Time spent with those he loved and helping others was most important to him. 

Freddie was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Upchurch; sister’s-in-law Brenda Upchurch and Omie Lou Upchurch; best friend and brother-in-law: Billy Joe Brady; niece: Jennifer Sessoms Owens; nephew: Shane Upchurch. 

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Neva Williams Upchurch, of the home; son: Steven F. Upchurch (Freida), of Robbins; daughter: Kristy U. Needham (David), of Carthage; grandchildren: Richard Spivey (Nick), Amber U. Lemonds (Justin), Kandace N. Hobgood (Nathan), Kayla Needham, Klaire Needham; great-grandchildren: Charlie and Baylor Lemonds; siblings: Darrell Upchurch, Jackie Upchurch, Tommy Upchurch (Doris), Dolores Brady, Patricia Cole (Larry), Connie Sessoms (Robert), as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. 

The family would like to thank Peak Resources Pinelake for their kindness and compassion during Freddie’s stay. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Highfalls United Methodist Church. 

 

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  1. So sorry for your loss. Freddy will be greatly missed by all those who were fortunate enough to know him. Prayers for all the family ❤️ 🙏 🙏

  2. From neighbors through the woods, camping all the time, square dancing and sharing a driveway at our places at Holden Beach…Freddy, Neva, Steve and Kristy were constants in my life. Family💜 best describes. Fond memories and lots of love.
    I’m so sorry for your loss and I’m praying for the family. Love always, Angie

  3. Rose and I are so sorry for the loss of the Upchurch family. Freddie was a very wonderful person to talk to. He certainly will be missed by all who knew him. Love and prayers for all the family. Pastor Roger and Rose

  4. So many memories of our days at Sandhills Community College and even recent memories of our friendships that have continued to today. My heart hurts for you, Neva and for the family. Freddie was “one of a kind” and I will miss him greatly. He’s at peace now and sharing his time between Billy Joe and other family, as well as with his Lord and Savior. Prayers for God’s love to surround all the family and ease that pain and grief you feel. Love, Tricia

  5. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. Freddie was a great guy who could bring a smile to anyone.

  6. Sorry to hear this. Prayers for the family as you grieve your loss of Freddie. Neil and Jenifer Wolfe

  7. We’ve have the honor and privilege of knowing and loving both Freddie, Neva and their entire family for more years than I can actually recall at the moment. The four of us worked together at Sandhills Community College until Neva and Freddie both retired in 2002. Buzz and Freddie worked in the same department whereas Neva and I sat across from each other for most of those years. We were not only colleagues, we were friends that actually loved each other and still do. Freddie was truly one of a kind who will be missed terribly by all who had the honor of knowing him. If you knew him, you loved him or that’s what we feel. Neva, you and Freddie have been there through so many sad times in my life (Libby) for that I am grateful but it breaks my heart that it’s now my time to repay a portion of that gratitude with sadness of your part as well as mine and ours. Neva, Steve, Freida, Kristy, David, Kandace, Nathan, Kayla, Klaire, Amber and family you all are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers and we’ll be here for you if and when you may need us. We love you all, Libby and Buzz

  8. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of the Upchurch family as you grieve the loss of Freddie. Love of Christ, Gary and June Albright

  9. Prayers for the entire family during this difficult time. Our deepest condolences.
    Chris & Dale Wilson

  10. Our sincere sympathy to Neva and all the family. May God’s comfort and peace be upon each of them during this difficult time.

  11. Freddie was a High Falls native that never forgot his allegiance to his community. He and Neva were such committed members of High Falls United Methodist Church and could be counted on to support any effort that would be beneficial to the community that the church serves. Freddie leaves behind a loving family and so many friends that will always remember his kindness. Certainly, a life of commitment and love.

  12. I am so sorry for your loss.He was a fine man and loved by everyone that knew him
    God Bless the family.love and prayers

  13. Neva and family, so sorry to hear of Freddie’s passing. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  14. I am so sorry to hear of Freddie’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Upchurch family during this difficult time. Rest in peace cuz.

  15. Neva, Kristy and family
    ..love you all so much and so sorry for such great loss to your family. I’ll always remember Freddie as a part of my life at SCC. I wish you all well. Love Br

  16. Sorry to hear of Freddie’s passing. Our prayers for Neva and family during this loss.

  17. Freddie was one of the good ones, he and my dad shared lot of laughs together. He will be missed. Shad Bryson

  18. 💐 Neva, Kristy, Steve, grandchildren, siblings, and friends: You are in my thoughts and prayers as each of you go through this difficult time and into the near future. When I think of Sandhills Community College, Neva and Freddie are one of the married couples who come to mind and I can see Neva at the Switchboard and Freddie working all about campus! Freddie could be overheard telling stories, jokes, or even explaining something; but, no matter what he was discussing, he had a way of keeping all of us smiling and laughing! Freddie was loved by everyone who knew him and he will be terribly missed! May you continue to remember the wonderful times you had with this beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, and let those memories give you comfort and bring a smile to your face! Sending hugs, love and prayers for each of you! With love, Deb Marion💐

  19. Neva, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know the empy spot it leaves. Lean on God. He will give you the strength and peace you need.
    Mary

  20. Freddie will be missed. He was one of those men that loved to help people in any way. I’ll never forget the many parades he drove through as well as the many years he helped out at Farmer’s Day. You would always see him working on something but he was as humble as they come. So sorry for your loss but glad to know he’s labors are over and we are all better for the life he lived and the work he did.


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