Funeral services for Freddie Wayne Upshaw will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, September 16, 2024 in the chapel of Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Monroe. Rev. Warren Eckhardt will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow at the Northeast Louisiana Veteran’s Cemetery in Rayville. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 A.M. until 11:00 A.M.

Wayne was born on March 12, 1945 in Farmerville and passed away on September 11, 2024 in Monroe. He was U. S. Navy Veteran and was stationed on the USS Enterprise when it blew up in January 1969. Wayne retired after 35 years of service from Verizon in Garland, Texas. Wayne was a man known for his loving, kind, and gentle nature.

He and Sue married and journeyed together to Garland, Texas, on the same weekend. They became devoted members of Lavon Drive Baptist Church. For 40 years, Wayne was an integral part of the Lavon Drive community, serving on the deacon board and finding joy in the many fellowships and monthly games of chicken foot with his church family.

After retiring, Wayne and Sue made the heartfelt decision to return to North Louisiana to be closer to family, settling in Monroe. It was there that they discovered their new spiritual home at North Monroe Baptist Church. Wayne took great pleasure in making coffee every Sunday morning for the Sonny Standifer Life Group, a task he approached with great enthusiasm and pride. The smiles and praise he received for his coffee brought him immense joy which could be easily seen by the grin on his face. He also looked forward to attending the Wednesday morning Bible studies, where his faith continued to flourish.

The highlight of Wayne’s week was his cherished Friday date days with Sue, where they explored the many local estate sales and enjoyed lunch with dear friends Warren and Donna Eckhardt. These outings were a testament to the deep bond Wayne and Sue shared. Their love for travel, particularly trips to Branson, MO, to see the Oak Ridge Boys and shop for Christmas added many joyful chapters to their life story.

Wayne leaves behind a legacy of love and a deep, abiding faith that will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His gentle spirit and the joy he brought to others will be deeply missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emma and Fred Upshaw; brothers, Frank, Sed, Donald, Charles; sisters, Florence Goss and Maurice Farrar.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sue Gray Upshaw; sisters-in-law, Joyce Upshaw, Twyla Upshaw, Ann Gray; a host of nieces, nephews and many other cherished family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Zach Wilkes, Josh Wilkes, Duncan Owen, Justin Owen,Wayne Norman, and Charles Gray.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, 701 Kansas Lane, Monroe, Louisiana 71203.

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