2025

Allen Upchurch Obituary

Allen Harvey Upchurch was born August 24, 1968, in Eutaw, Alabama, and died January 22, 2025, at his residence in Camden, South Carolina, at the age of 56.

Survivors include: his wife, Cheryl Upchurch; daughter, Julia Marsi (John); and two grandchildren, Leona Marsi, and Vivian Marsi. 

Allen was the oldest son of the late James “Babydoll” Upchurch and Sherry “Shereia” Bozeman Brookins.  He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and stepfather, John “Alan” Brookins, as well as his brother, James “Jim” Upchurch, Jr., and sister-in-law, Karen Boomer.

Additional survivors include: two sisters, Dana Stewart (Glenn) and Reia Martin; one stepbrother, Nathan Sims (Catherine); and one stepsister Krystal Kornegay (Craig); two sisters-in-law, Lisa Chaffman (Jim) and Sunshine Jordan; three brothers-in law, Michael Boomer (Heidi), David Boomer, and Joel Boomer (Lori); 28 nieces and nephews; 12 great-nieces and great-nephews; as well as his mother-in-law, Sylvia Crews.

He grew up in Alabama, graduating from Dothan High School, after spending most of his childhood in Cottonwood.  Allen met the love of his life, Cheryl, at the tender age of 18, while attending Auburn University.  They were married for 36 years and had one daughter, Julia.  Allen had lived in Camden since 1997.

Allen was proud of Julia and the life she had built, enjoying her small family – husband John and daughter Leona.  Allen was extremely excited to meet the newest member of Julia’s family, Vivian, who was born just 2 days after his passing.

As a career educator, he began and ended his 30-year career as a Math teacher at Lugoff-Elgin High School, 1995 to 2000 and 2021 to the present.  In between his stints at Lugoff-Elgin, Allen worked for Richland School District Two at Ridge View High School from 2000 to 2017, where he served as a Math teacher, an Assistant Administrator, and, finally, an Assistant Principal.  From 2017 to 2021, Allen was Assistant Principal, then Interim Principal at the Richland Two Charter High School prior to its permanent closure.

After attending his first Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field when he was just four years old, Allen was a life-long fan and shared his love with his daughter.

Performing in plays and musicals at the Arts Center of Kershaw County was his biggest hobby.  Allen had been a performer in several roles throughout the years since moving to Camden.  Most recently, he was in rehearsals for Edna Turnblad, one of his dream roles, in the upcoming production of Hairspray.

Information regarding a memorial service for Allen will be provided at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Arts Center for Kershaw County, https://artscenterkc.org/.

Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, is assisting the family.