J. Terry Upton, 69, a resident of Gall Street in Philippi, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, at his residence.
He was born Feb. 22, 1943, in Barbour County, a son of the late Darl and Madelyn Bennett Upton. Surviving are one niece, Kim Nelson and husband, John, of Charlotte, N.C.; two nephews, Mark Payne and Todd Payne and wife, Traci, both of Hodgesville; great-niece, Haley Jeffers; great-nephews, Justin Jeffers, Cameron Payne, Cole Payne and Derek Payne; and great-great-nephew, Jace Able Jeffers
Mr. Upton was preceded in death by one sister, Judith Ann Payne; and one brother, Darl Eugene Upton.
Mr. Upton was a graduate of Philippi High School and Alderson-broaddus College with a business degree. He worked for the FBI from 1994-2005 and received the Director’s Humanitarian Award in 2005. He worked for the city of Philippi as utility clerk, city judge, and past city police officer and former magistrate. He worked as administrative assistant for Bruce Mining, Barbour Coal Co. and McCoy Brothers and also office clerk for Medallion Restaurant. He joined the Philippi Volunteer Fire Department in 1964 and was currently serving as the department’s longtime treasurer and served as past president in 1980. He served on the Barbour County Democratic Executive Committee and enjoyed Civil War and World War II History. He was a member of Philippi United Methodist Church and enjoyed singing in the choir.
Friends will be received at Wright Funeral Home, 216 N. Walnut St. in Philippi today from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 to 10 a.m., the service time with the Rev. Tim Bleigh officiating. Entombment will be in Mt. Vernon Cemetery Mausoleum.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.wrightfuneralhomeservices.com.
