Willard Lacy Upchurch, 72, was born on April 11, 1946 to Ridley and Lillian Neal Upchurch in Jamestown, TN. He passed away on October 19, 2018. Lacy spent his life loving God, family… especially his wife Kay, and all persons he worked with or encountered in life. Lacy had a passion for Agriculture, a heart for giving, a talent for teaching, a gift for communicating, and was a natural leader. Lacy’s path was set at an early age, growing up in a rural, Agricultural community. Participating in 4-H and FFA activities, he had mentors that would help shape his life. Lacy attended the University of Tennessee receiving a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degree in Agriculture with concentrations in Animal Science. After graduation in 1967, he went to work for the “UT Agricultural Extension Service” in Madison County, TN, and would later transfer back closer to “home” serving as a 4-H Agent, Adult Agricultural Agent and County Director in Cumberland County. In 1977, Lacy would leave Extension to farm in partnership with Ed Lanquist raising both hogs and cattle. During that period, he was actively involved in State organizations such as the Tennessee Livestock Producers, Tennessee Pork Producers, and Tennessee Farm Bureau (TFB). His long-standing participation with the TFB would lead to him being elected as the 7th President in the organization’s history in 2005. As TFB President, he and Kay moved to Columbia, Tennessee where he would lead the Nation’s largest Farm Bureau organization. His leadership would help shape agriculture in Tennessee and across the country. Lacy retired from the Tennessee Farm Bureau in December 2015, and moved back to his home in Homestead to spend more time with Kay, his kids, grandkids, and great grandson. Lacy was very active in the Homestead Methodist Church and continued his community involvement. Until his passing, he remained true to his “agricultural roots” growing a large vegetable garden, tending to his orchard and vineyard, and raising beef cattle with his son.
He is survived by his wife, Kay Upchurch; son: Gregg Upchurch (Lena); daughters, Melissa Upchurch Edwards (Steve) and Christie Upchurch (Scott VanWinkle); grandchildren: Kayla Ann Davis, Sarah Edwards Condra (Cole), Emily Upchurch, Taylor Edwards (Cody Morris) , John Edwards, Bailey Lewis (Colt), and Paul Martin Thompson; great grandson, William Scott Lewis; brother, Jack Upchurch; and sisters, Jonelda Cole, Helen Pierce, and Betty Vernon.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, James Upchurch.
Lacy was an important part of Tennessee agriculture and was highly respected by all who came in contact with him. He was more importantly the leader of a great family which is the mark of a great man. My condolences to the family and may you find comfort through your friends and faith in Jesus Christ that you will meet again.
Frank Masincupp
Gregg and family, my condolences to you and your family on hearing about the loss of your father. My prayers are with you during this time. Drucilla Ray