Daniel Upchurch

Daniel Wade Upchurch, age 26 of 207 Roy Eaker Road in Cherryville, died October 28, 2014 of natural causes in West Monroe, Louisiana where he was working. He was born August 2, 1988 in Cleveland County, a son of Mark and Angie Upchurch. Dan was a member First Presbyterian Church where he was confirmed in 1999. He earned rank of Eagle Scout on March 6, 2005, was a 2006 Honors Graduate of Cherryville High School, and a 2010 Graduate of Appalachian State University with a BA in Anthropology/Archaeology. Dan worked as contract archaeologist since 2011 for companies such as New South, TRC, URS.

He was the son of Mark and Angie Upchurch; younger brother to Will, Abby and Luke; uncle to Mary Ellis Upchurch; grandson of Roy and Pat Metcalf of Crystal River FL, Ruby Upchurch of Cherryville, and the late W.O. "Bill" Upchurch; nephew of Mark and Lois Metcalf of Moore, SC, Matt and Janine Metcalf of Roswell, GA, and David and Mary Ferguson of Cherryville; and cousin of Matthew, Alex, Susan, and John Ferguson and Wade, Sarah, Gray and Ginny Metcalf.

Known for his great hugs, sharp sense of humor, short temper, wonderful mind, impatience for what he deemed stupid and his ability to endear himself to many, Dan relished being the baby of the family and all that this position brought. He never met a stranger, was an outstanding salesman and always "outsold" his brothers when working at his family's garden center.

As a child, Dan enjoyed being the "birthday boy,", tormenting his older brothers, art lessons, Harry Potter books and movies, swimming in the ocean, staying at his Paw Paw's and Mama Ruby's place at Ocean Lakes, STAR WARS, gem-mining and snow sledding when visiting his Pop's and Mama Pat's mountain house, finding arrowheads in the woods, Muppet movies, Legos and animals. At one time he was the master of his one-eyed mixed feist "Ellie," his Great Dane "Lady Bird," a cat "Kit Kat," several hermit crabs he found at the jetty on the coast of South Carolina and over 30 gerbils. He did not like Halloween or costumes.

Later, Dan grew to enjoy the music of Queen, playing drums in the Cherryville High School Band, watching South Park and Dr. Who, playing video games, volunteering at the Schiele Museum, digging around in the woods for any artifacts, and participating in activities and mission trips with the Presbyterian Youth. Dan learned much from many conversations with Dr. Alan May, who always made time for him at the Schiele. He liked primitive camping with Scout Troop #2, but always took his Game Boy for the down times. He did not like waking up early.

Dan attended Appalachian State University, where he loved being a Wataugan and residing in the Living and Learning Center, going with friends to nearby creeks and watering holes, taking skiing and scuba diving for his P.E. requirements, and studying anthropology and learning to be an archaeologist. He admired Dr Thomas Whyte, professor of several anthropology courses and the director and teacher of his field archaeology experience. A highlight of his college years was a summer spent studying at Trier University, in the ancient city of Trier, Germany. He also learned to knit and smoke hookah at ASU, two activities he continued to enjoy after college.

Dan was thrilled to be able to work in the field that he loved, archaeology, and was always grateful to Tracy Martin, another Cherryville native, who gave him his first (paying) contract job. Dan loved to learn and read much about ancient history, anthropology, world cultures, philosophy and the Presbyterian Church USA Book of Order. In recent months he took up archery, but only shot at targets. Like his beloved Paw Paw Upchurch, he never understood why anyone would shoot a deer since they were "majestic creatures." Dan also loved his niece Mary Ellis and taught her many things, including playing the harmonica and how to give "kalulu kisses."

Dan was a unique and kind man and will be missed by many.

The family will receive friends at the home on Thursday and Friday between 2:00 to 8:00 PM, 207 Roy Eaker Road, Cherryville, North Carolina.

A service to celebrate the life of Dan Upchurch will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Cherryville on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Bill Lowe officiating. Burial will be private. A reception will follow the service in the church Fellowship Hall.

Memorials can be made to the Schiele Museum of Natural History 1500 East Garrison Blvd. Gastonia, NC 28054 or to First Presbyterian Church 107 W. Academy St. Cherryville, NC 28021.