Ernest Fletcher Upchurch

Ernest Fletcher Upchurch, known by all as "Goochie," went home to be with the Lord after a prolonged illness on February 8, 2025. He was 92 years old. Goochie grew up in Raleigh and was predeceased by parents, Edgar and Vera Upchurch, and brothers, Homer Graham, Robert Vaden and John Edgar.

Goochie graduated from Broughton High School in the Class of 1953 and soon married his high school sweetheart, Peggy Robbins. Within the year, he was drafted into the United States Army and shipped out to serve in Korea. When he later returned to Raleigh, he began working for the Public Service Gas Company where he remained a loyal employee until his retirement.

Although Goochie enjoyed sports like roller skating, golf and fishing, there was no greater fan of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons sports programs than Goochie. Playing cards was another lifelong pastime and he remained the family champion despite many attempts by his children and grandchildren to unseat him.

The historic Jenkins Memorial United Methodist Church in Raleigh is just around the corner from the house on Hinsdale Street where Goochie was born. Jenkins was Goochie's church home, and he remained a faithful servant in that fellowship for his entire life.

Goochie is lovingly remembered by Peggy Ruth Robbins Upchurch, his loving wife and dedicated companion for 72 years. He is survived by his eldest son, Ernest Daniel Upchurch of Raleigh; daughter, Vickie Ruth Bredbenner and husband, Hal of Raleigh; daughter, Vera Catherine Dickerson and husband, Johnny of Wake Forest; and son, James Roy Upchurch and wife, Wendy of Willow Spring. He is fondly remembered by ten grandchildren, Carrie Hill, Meagan Seymour, Jason Dickerson, Brandon Upchurch, Catherine Leal, Amanda Sutton, Robyn Wilson, Matthew Dickerson, Nicholas Upchurch, Hunter Dickerson; and twenty great-grandchildren. Goochie made a point to attend every special event possible to support his many grandkids and great grandkids. He was the happiest when he was with family!

The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00 pm Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27604.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, February 17, 2025 in the chapel at Bryan-Lee in Raleigh, followed by an internment at Historic Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jenkins Memorial United Methodist Church, 725 North Boylan Ave. Raleigh, North Carolina, 27605.