Arthur "Aj" Jefferson Upchurch
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Arthur Jefferson "A.J." Upchurch, Jr., passed away peacefully at his home in McDonough, surrounded by family and friends on May 2, 2022, at age 100. A native of Henry County, A.J. is survived by his loving spouse of eighteen years, Birgitta Hellgren Upchurch; children Angela (Heinz) Porth of Orlando, FL, and Jeff (Cindy) Upchurch of Atlanta. He is also survived by grandchildren, Linda Gabriella Porth; Emma-Grace Upchurch Porth; Rainer Upchurch Porth; Andrew Jefferson Upchurch; and Charlotte Elizabeth Upchurch.
A.J. lived a long and productive life whose accomplishments are too numerous to list in full. He grew up during the Great Depression and learned at an early age the importance of hard work and the value of a dollar. He joined the United States army in 1942 where he was assigned to the 78th "Lightning" Division and was a Staff Sergeant in the 307th Field Artillery Battalion. He was in the European Theatre where he fought in major combat operations in Belgium and Germany, including the Battle of the Bulge.
After World War II, A.J. returned to work at the Continental Insurance Corporation in Atlanta where he worked until his retirement on May 1, 1982, after forty-one years of service. A.J. was active in his community all his life. He was active in the local school system where he was president of the local band boosters club, raised money for various school activities, and provided a scholarship for local students through the Henry County High School Scholarship Foundation. He was a Mason, Shriner, member of the McDonough Investor's Group, Rotary Club, and the Henry County Planning and Zoning Board. A.J. was also a long-time member of the McDonough Presbyterian Church where he served in various capacities including Treasurer, Elder, and Clerk of Session.
A.J. was fond of saying he started his family late in life. He loved his family and was extremely proud of his two children. He took care of his late wife of 30 years, Linda Frisby Upchurch, during her lengthy illness; he also cared for his late mother-in-law as well. Whenever anyone stumbled in life, he was there to lend a helping hand and a word of encouragement.
Even later in life, he was able to travel the world and return to places he had been during World War II. With his wife Birgitta, he was able to go to such places as Sweden, England, Italy, France, Germany, and Australia, to name a few.
A.J. was a proud Veteran and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He loved God, his church, family, country, and Henry County. A.J. never met a stranger and had a thirst for life that could not be quenched. He was known by many but will be missed by all. His life was one well lived.
A.J. was preceded in death by his former wife Linda Frisby Upchurch, parents Arthur Jefferson Upchurch, Sr. and Nora Lee (Bowden) Upchurch of McDonough; siblings: Pebble Almond; Ralph Upchurch; Grady Upchurch; Grace Craig; Orion Lewis; Francis Rosser; Janie McGarity; and Faye Carmichael.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to McDonough Presbyterian Church.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022 at McDonough Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dudley Rose officiating. Burial will follow at Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at Cannon-Cleveland Funeral Directors. Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com. Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors, 770-914-1414.