Upton-Hay Funeral Home

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Celina, TN
Upton-Hay Funeral Home

Celina's oldest contiuously operating business. Upton Funeral Home was originally organized in 1922 by H. and Mrs. Butler Upton and Mr. Estil Burnette.

The beautiful old building which now houses Upton Funeral Home is the oldest continuously operating business in Clay County and has a rich history and has been a lasting landmark, starting out as Montvale College. Several important people attended the college, including Cordell Hull, who helped create the United Nations and was a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Turner Netherton in 1943; Nethe

rton sold the business to Charlie Rich, who sold in 1949 to Mr. Butler was a graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science, and one of the first professionally trained embalmers in the area. After Butler’s death his daughter, Betty and son-in-law, Jim Briggs operated the funeral home for a while and sold the business to Phillip Anderson from Red Boiling Springs in 2002. At that time the historic house was completely renovated. Now thirteen years later, Anderson has done more renovations for the beauty of the building and to accommodate and make more comfort for the patrons of the facility. This includes the use of the former office as part of the lounge area with tables where families can take breaks and have more space to sit, eat and fellowship, made a play area for children, moved the office area allowing for better access for the public to talk to staff and conduct business, enlarged another room for the chapel to allow families to have more privacy, more seating and installed stained glass windows to add beauty and light and a chairlift for going upstairs to view merchandise in the showroom. Shirley Anderson redecorated the facility to emulate the beauty and “yesteryear” period of the building. A new parking lot has also been added behind the back area of the next door buildings for the use of the funeral home patrons and visitors. This parking area is on the same level as the funeral home building making it closer and easier for the public and those with disabilities to get in and out of the funeral home. You can enter and exit this parking lot from the square between the neighbor buildings or enter and exit the lot from the back of the funeral home. Many things have changed over the years. But one thing that has not changed is our continuing commitment of service to the families in Clay and surrounding counties.

04/20/2026

Mark Lee Poindexter

Mr. Mark Lee Poindexter, age 39, of Celina, TN, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Livingston Regional Hospital.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Upton-Hay Funeral Home with Kenny Westmoreland and Mike Powell officiating and interment to follow in the Tinsley Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until time for the service

He was born on Monday, November 17, 1986, to Jerry and Janet (Phillips) Poindexter. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Kenneth Poindexter; uncle, Ricky Lee Poindexter; paternal grandparents, Kenneth and Elise Poindexter; maternal grandmother Rosena Phillips.

Mark was an administrator in Information Technology. He was very knowledgeable with computers and enjoyed working on them. He was a sports fan, football was said to be among the favorites, but nothing topped his love for music. He had a natural gift for singing and playing the guitar. He was blessed with many talents and skills in life, whatever he set his mind to, he achieved. He was a friend to many, had a heart as big as the earth and would give you the shirt off his back. One of those people you could count on, one of those people who you were blessed with as a friend, and one of those people that will forever leave a mark in his absence.

He is survived by his children, Marlee Jo and Frazier Poindexter; mother, Janet Poindexter; brother, Matt (Ashton) Poindexter; sister, Julie Brehiem; special aunts and uncles, Wanda Meadows, Marilou Poindexter, Belinda Phillips, Ronnie and Kathy Poindexter; Fiancé, Kayla Finch; as well as a host of friends and neighbors that will mourn his passing.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to assist with the funeral expense.

The Upton-Hay Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Mark Lee Poindexter.

View Mark Lee Poindexter's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/08/2026

Odella Faye Rich

Graveside Services will be held Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Macedonia Cemetery with Trina Rich and Christi Rich Richardson officiating.

Odella F. (Ridings) Rich, 90, of Orlando, FL, passed away on April 5, 2026, at her home surrounded by her daughters. She was born in Kensett, AR on January 2, 1936 to the late Arnold Odel and Ethel (Lucas) Ridings. Odella married Louis Rich on September 15, 1956.

Odella graduated from Kokomo High School in Kokomo, IN. She worked as an Executive Secretary for the Postmaster and retired from the Postal Service.

Odella was a member of Focal Point Church, Orlando, FL. She loved her Pastors and her church family. Her happy spot was attending church. Her greatest legacy is showing Christ’s love to all she encountered. She served as a Sunday School teacher, Youth Leader, and played her accordion in church for years. She was a mentor and encourager to all who had the privilege to meet her and know her. Odella loved angels and has now earned her wings and crown in Heaven.

Odella is preceded in death by her loving husband, Louis, and her mother Ethel (Lucas) Ridings.

Survivors include her two daughters Trina Rich and Christi (Rich) Richardson; her grandson Brandon Richardson and her son-in-law Richard Richardson.

The Celebration of Life service will be held at Focal Point Church, 12890 S John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL, on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Visitation with the family will be prior to the Celebration of Life service from 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM. Burial for Odella will take place in Moss, TN on April 16, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Focal Point Church via the link provided:

Focal Point Church – The Time Is Now

View Odella Faye Rich's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/07/2026

Faylene "Fay" Hammons

Funeral Services will be held Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Upton-Hay Funeral Home with interment to follow in the Unionhill Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until time for the service.

Faylene “Fay” Hammons, age 79, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 6, 2026, at her home in Columbia, Tennessee, surrounded by the comfort of her loved ones.

Born on February 2, 1947, in Clay County, Tennessee, Fay was the daughter of the late Estis Sims and Vealer Sims. She was a woman who found joy in the simple, beautiful moments of life. Fay loved being outdoors, whether tending to her flowers, caring for her beloved pets, or working in her yard. Her home and garden were a reflection of her nurturing spirit and the love she poured into everything she touched. Above all, Fay was strong in her faith, which guided her throughout her life and brought her peace and strength. She was a longtime member of Highland Church of Christ.

She is survived by her loving husband, Arthur Hammons; her son, Nathan (Bethany) Hammons; and her cherished grandsons, Tucker and Bo Hammons, who brought her immense pride and joy.

She is also survived by her siblings: Betty (George) Melton, Jean (Joe) Garmon, Kathy (Truman) Reecer, and Joe (Judy) Sims.

Fay is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents who had a hand in raising her: Elvin and Hettie Crawford; and sister and brother-in-law: Hettie and John Eads.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Ray and Betty Holden, Christine Stockton, Launita Greene, Faye Hill, Landon and Barbara Rummage, Kevin and Donna Thompson, Keffie Morrow, and April Pilkinton.

The family also wants to express gratitude for Hospice Compassus, LifeCare Center of Columbia, and the staff of Touching Hearts: Sarah Compton, Roi Johnson, Janice Armstrong, Amanda Newell, and Brittany Abel for their compassionate and loving care given to Fay and her family.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Upton-Hay Funeral Home in Celina, Tennessee, with two hours of visitation prior to the service. Fay will be laid to rest at Union Hill Cemetery in Moss, Tennessee

Fay will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

View Faylene "Fay" Hammons's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/03/2026

Danny Davis

Mr. Danny Davis, age 71, of Celina, TN passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Celina Health and Rehabilitation Center.

To honor Danny wishes, the family has chosen cremation. As he requested, there will be no services.

He was born on Monday, April 5, 1954, to the late Fred and Gladys (Gore) Davis. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by wife, Bonnie Jo; and brother, Benny Davis.

Danny enjoyed golfing, watching basketball, and collecting zippo lighters. He was a small statured man with a heart the size of the universe. He would do anything in his power to help anyone he thought may need it. If you knew Danny, you knew his world revolved around his family. Everyday, if it were nothing more than a phone call, he made sure they were safe, and let them know he loved them. He will be missed by so many who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his daughter, Monica Weir (Rob); grandchildren, Austa Burks (Wyatt), and Caleb Weir; as well as a host of friends and neighbors that will mourn his passing.

The Upton-Hay Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Danny Davis.

View Danny Davis's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/24/2026

Weldon Smith

Mr. Weldon Smith, age 87, of the Unionhill Community passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Celina Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, March 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Upton-Hay Funeral Home with Eric Copass officiating and interment to follow in the Unionhill Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Friday, March 27, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. until time for the service.

He was born on Friday, January 27, 1939, to the late Ernest and Mertie (Armer) Smith. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his spouse, Nina Smith; infant daughter, Connie Jo; and brothers, Willis Smith, and Richard Smith.

Weldon was a carpenter by trade, farmer by heart. He spent all his time on the farm doing one thing or another.

He is survived by his sister, Frances Crawford; sisters-in-law, Judy (Dumas) Birdwell, and Becky Caplinger; nephews and nieces, Ricky Crawford, Darrell (Michelle) Birdwell, Elizabeth (Pete) Dennis, Susan (Buzz) Emerton, Apryl (Mac) Davis; as well as his extended family at Celina Health and Rehabilitation Center; special friend and brother in Christ Mac Whisner; and a host of friends and neighbors that will mourn his passing.

The Upton-Hay Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Weldon Smith.

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03/16/2026

Aaron White

Mr. Aaron Junior White, age 82, of Moss, TN, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Livingston Regional Hospital.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Upton-Hay Funeral Home with Jeremy Compton officiating and interment to follow in the Moss Cemetery. Visitation with the family will begin Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until time for the service.

He was born on Saturday, September 25, 1943, to the late Oscar and Lou (Key) White. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son, Aaron White II; brothers, Lanay Gene White and Dayton White.

Aaron was a business owner in Clay County; he owned and operated what we know as Scratch and Dent. He also held many auctions, and operated several body shops in various parts of the county. He enjoyed fishing, doing body work on vehicles, having auctions but most of all reading his Bible.

He is survived by his spouse, Martha Katherine White; sons, Gregory Lane White (Yvonne), and John White; grandchildren, Eric White, Kimberly White-Jordan (Dwight), and Brittany White (Daniel Boles); great-grandchildren, Kiana White (James Overshiner), Marcus Jordan, Donte Jordan, Carson Boles, Connor Boles, and Cheyanne Boles; great-great grandchild, Nova Overshiner; brothers, Tim White (Carolyn), and Floyd White (Margie); sister, Janet Newby (Mike); special friends, Rita Collins, Jeremy Jones, and Paula Slaughter (Talmadge); as well as a host of friends and neighbors that will mourn his passing.

The family request if monetary contributions are chosen, that those be made to the Moss Cemetery.

View Aaron White's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/09/2026

Barbara Ann Minchey Butler

Mrs. Barbara Ann Minchey Butler, age 86, of Celina, TN, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Celina Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Upton-Hay Funeral Home with Chris Ballou, Jared Claiborne, and KJ Kitchens officiating and interment to follow in the Hamilton Addition of the Fitgerald Cemetery. Visitation with the family will begin Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. and Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until time for the service.

She was born on Friday, December 22, 1939, to the late Edward and Blanche Marie (Hardcastle) Minchey. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her spouse, Jack Butler; brothers, Thomas Minchey and Phillip Minchey.

Barbara was an educator; she taught school in Clay County for thirty-eight years. The number of children she impacted is unimaginable. When asked what some of her hobbies were, the answer was “she loved everything”. Some of the things she enjoyed most were gardening, cooking, canning, sewing, flowers, and traveling. She will leave an everlasting impact and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her daughters, Lori West (David), LeAnn Turcios (Jan); grandchildren, Justin Turcios (Kristy), Jacqueline West Simmons (Mason), Karlton Turcios, Madeline West Silk (Gunnar); great-grandchild, Bennett Simmons; special niece, Jennifer Stevens; special nephews, Clinton Minchey and Nathan Minchey as well as a host of friends and neighbors that will mourn her passing.

The Upton-Hay Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Barbara Ann Minchey Butler.

View Barbara Ann Minchey Butler's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/09/2026

Lloyd Raymond Sweezy

Mr. Lloyd Raymond Sweezy, age 69, of Moss, TN, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at his residence. For complete obituary or to leave condolences, please visit our website at www.uptonhayfuneralhome.com

View Lloyd Raymond Sweezy's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/03/2026

Marie Anderson

Mrs. Marie Anderson, age 85, of Moss, TN, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at her residence.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Upton-Hay Funeral Home with interment to follow in the Kendall Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. until time for the service.

She was born on Tuesday, November 5, 1940, to the late Wilford and Ted (Cherry) Collins. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her spouse, Garth Anderson; daughter and son-in-law, Vivian and Gary McCarter; granddaughter, Kelly Rhea Anderson; great-grandson, Briley Paul Clark; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Collins.

Marie was a seamstress at the factory, as most everyone else was until it closed. She attended Northwest Church of Christ and loved her church family.

She enjoyed camping, traveling, dancing, playing cards, flowers, and fishing. They camped with the Smith family for many, many years, which they enjoyed very much. She loved to be on the go; traveling was among her top favorite things to do. However, no matter where she was or who she was with, she was enjoying life.

She is survived by her daughters, Marcia Anderson (Randall Gregory), Kathy Bohanan (Teddy); grandchildren, Eric Birdwell (Mandy), William “Buddy” Head (Shelly), Jason Anderson (Brittany), Kylie Clark, Kyle Anderson (Sherry), Casey Keene (Patrick), Tennie (Carver) Jon, Nicole Carver (Jason), Candace Steward (Kevin), Brandon Gregory (Kacie); great-grandchildren, Thatcher, Will, Dalten, Madi, Austin, Coltan, Kameron, Kaytie, Keeley, Trey, Eli, Emme, Laike, Jerron, Liam, Kaden, Samuel, Kyra, Chloe, Aubrey, Kash, little Kylee, and Boston; great-great grandchildren, Beau, Braelon, and Lily; brother, Sonny Collins; sister Sheron Hammons (Jr); as well as several nieces, nephews, other family members, friends and neighbors, her church family, and special camping family the Smith’s that will mourn her passing.

The Upton-Hay Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Marie Anderson.

View Marie Anderson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/29/2026

Clyde Preston Moore

Mr. Clyde Preston Moore, age 93, of Celina, TN, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Upton-Hay Funeral Home with Kenny Westmoreland officiating and interment to follow in the Macedonia Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Monday, February 2, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until time for the service.

He was born on Thursday, January 26, 1933, to the late Charles and Lissie (Copas) Moore. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his spouse, Chloe Nell (Anderson) Moore; and siblings, Otis Moore, Charles Whitson Moore, Jr., Opal Henson, Mable Whittemore, and Doris Taylor.

Clyde and Chloe owned and operated Moore’s Deli Bake here in Celina. If you had the privilege of eating there, you know exactly what I am talking about, but if you never had the opportunity, you truly missed out. Clyde knew hard work and dedication. Always willing to lend a helping hand, a good friend to many.

He enjoyed feeding the birds, raising chickens and his dogs. He absolutely loved his dogs. He made monthly trips to buy cheerios and dog treats, spending hundreds of dollars; he took the best care of his animals. They will sure miss him.

Clyde is survived by his daughters, Anita Hobson (David Poole), Angela McElroy, and Jennifer Combs (Rickey); 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; brother, Don Moore; as well as a host of friends and neighbors that will mourn his passing.

The Upton-Hay Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Clyde Preston Moore.

View Clyde Preston Moore's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/27/2026

Lola Ada McLerran Morris

Mrs. Lola Ada McLerran Morris, age 98, of Celina, TN, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Overton County Health and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born on August 11, 1927, in a two-room log cabin in Celina Tennessee. She was the youngest daughter of Harlan and Nina (Walker) McLerran and the wife of the late Stone B. Morris, whom she married on July 3, 1946. She was a member of the New Hope Church of Christ, which she attended regularly, until she became a resident of the Overton County Health and Rehabilitation Center in 2019.

Lola was preceded in death by parents, Harlan and Nina McLerran; daughter, Debbie Morris; husband, Stone B. Morris; brothers, Claude, Cordell, and Willie McLerran; sisters, Florence Watson and Mae Smith; grandchildren, Melanie Turner and Clay Comer; and son in law, Wilbur Comer.

She is survived by her son, Stone D. Morris (Carolyn) of Tompkinsville, KY; daughters, Janet Comer (Charles), Betty Comer all of Gamaliel, KY, Dona Zoodsma (Paul) of Cookeville, TN, Connie Turner (Keith) of Hestand, KY; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 4 plus great-great grandchildren; as well as a host of friends and neighbors that will mourn her passing.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Beaty and all the dedicated nurses/staff at Overton County Health and Rehab Center for their kindness, patience, and loving care during Lola’s residency, and especially during her final months.

Pallbearers: Chas Comer, Paul Jr. Zoodsma, John Zoodsma, Cameron Morris, Garrett Turner, and Cody Turner.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. from the chapel of the Upton Hay Funeral Home. The family will welcome friends on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and before the funeral on January 30, 2026. Burial will follow in the Macedonia Cemetery in Moss, Tennessee. Officiating the service will be Pastor Stone D. Morris, her son.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to the Macedonia Cemetery.

View Lola Ada McLerran Morris's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/17/2026

Robert Fortna

Mr. Robert Fortna, age 66, of Celina, TN, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The family has chosen cremation with no services to announce at this time. For complete obituary or to leave condolences, please visit our website at www.uptonhayfuneral.com.com

View Robert Fortna's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Address

307 W Lake Avenue
Celina, TN
38551

Website

http://www.uptonhayfuneralhome.com/

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