This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: KandyBackAgee Surnames: Upchurch, Cobb, Galloway Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kentucky.counties.letcher/2050/mb.ashx Message Board Post: NOTE: I DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS INDIVIDUAL. JUST POSTING THE OBITUARY ON IRA UPCHURCH FROM SPRINGFIELD (OH) NEWS-SUN 3/9/07 Ira Upchurch, as some preferred to call him, was born Willie Ivory Upchurch on July 12, 1923 to Thornton Upchurch and Willie Bell Cobb in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He was the only child born to this union. Their family later moved to Kentucky where he received his high school diploma from Jenkins High School. It was there he met Mildred Galloway whom he later married. To this union one child was born, Richard Kenneth Upchurch. Ira enlisted in the United States Army at Fort Thomas, KY on January 29, 1943. At the time of his service he fought in World War II. He also traveled many places including Africa, Italy, and Germany. During his enlistment Ira's family moved to Springfield, OH, where he remained. He began working at Ohio Steel (Teledyne Ohio Cast) in 1945. He realized that he had a fevering joy for service duty, so he re-enlisted in 1948. During this time, he fought in the Korean War. He retired from the United States Army as a First Sergeant in 1983. While working at Ohio S! teel he was a very active member of the union. He later retired from Ohio Steel Company as secretary of the union. After his retirement, he continued his favorite pastime, which was bowling. He loved to bowl and traveling to compete in competitions around the world. He won numerous awards and trophies to attribute to his skill. Ira also was very proud to manage one of Springfield's finest places to dine and enjoy, Striver's Club. He did this until his health no longer permitted him to. He leaves to cherish his memory, one son, Richard Kenneth Upchurch; five granddaughters, Terri Upchurch, Athena Thornton, Monique Upchurch, Ashanti Upchurch and Ashli Upchurch; four great grandchildren, Joel J. Thornton, II, Jacob Thornton, Julian Thornton and NeVaeh Davis and a long time friend, Willie Calhoun. His parents preceded him in death. Visitation will be held March 9, 2007 from 7-9 p.m. at PORTER-QUALLS FUNERAL HOME, 823 South Yellow Springs Street, Springfield, Ohio; with the fami! ly present at 7 p.m. Funeral Service will be held March 10, 2007 at 11 a.m. at Porter-Qualls Funeral Home, with Rev. Clara Boyd Williams, Officiating. Burial will follow service in Rose Hill Burial Park. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.