Paul Crowder Upton

Paul Crowder Upton, age 87 of Forest City, died Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Atrium Health-Cleveland in Shelby.  He was born August 12, 1933 in Rutherford County and was a son of the late Russell Stowe Upton and Bessie Pearl Crowder Upton. 

Paul was a lifelong member of Smith Grove Baptist Church where he had served as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher and on various church committees.  He also served his country in the United States Air Force in Communications and Decoding.  His military service took him to North Africa and Turkey.  Paul retired from the Sample Department at Stonecutter Mills with forty-three years’ service.   He was an avid gardener and enjoyed his garden.  Most importantly, he was a faithful and loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved every minute spent with them.  His son-in-law, Ron Filer preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Carolyn Tate Upton of the home, his daughters, Paula Upton Bowen and husband Ricky, Donna Upton Filer all of Forest City, his sister, Fannie Brackett of Sunshine.  There are also four grandchildren, Megan Upton, Mitchell Filer, Daniel Bowen and Jared Bowen as well as eight great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 11 o’clock Friday, January 15, 2021 at Smith Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with the Reverend Terry White officiating.  There will be no formal visitation.  Mask and social distancing are requested by the family for the safety of all attending. 

Memorials may be made to Smith Grove Baptist Church, PO Box 1195, Forest City, NC 28043.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking. Com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.