Billy Joe Upshaw

Funeral services for Billy Joe Upshaw, 84, of Ruston, were held Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston with Brother Gerald Nelson and Brother Jim Manning officiating.

Burial followed at New Hope Cemetery in Choudrant under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes in Ruston.

Visitation was held September 12, 2022, from 5- 7 p. m. at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston.

Billy Joe was born September 15, 1937, in Holly Ridge, and grew up in Union Parish in a farming family. He passed away September 10, 2022, at his home in Choudrant, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was a graduate of Farmerville High School. Billy Joe was a professional painter in the Ruston area for over 40 years, where with his cherished Purdy paintbrush, he “painted the world.” He was a member of Grace Bible Baptist Church.

He loved fishing, gardening, and, in his younger years, camping with family and friends. He cherished his family and enjoyed spending time with loved ones, especially his grandchildren.

Billy Joe was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers; seven sisters; his son, Keith Upshaw; his grandson, Bud Wyatt; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 28 years, Priscilla Upshaw; daughter, Jo Ellen (Steve) Morris; step- daughter, Tanya (Kenneth) Drummond; and step- son, Todd Finley; grandchildren, Somer (Jerry) Sykes, Tristan, Kiley and Kenzie Drummond, Anna Rose and Casey Morris; great- grandchildren, Breanna and Landen Tripp, TJ Sykes, Haidynn Luzader, Pierce Stevens; great- greatgrandchild, Ainsleigh Wiggins; along with a host of great- nieces, great- nephews, other family and friends.

Honoring Billy Joe as Pallbearers were George Upshaw, Clint Upshaw, Tony Morrow, Craig Kent, Buster Evans and Matt Byran.

Memorials may be sent to the Grace Bible Baptist Church in Choudrant or The Father’s House Worship Center in West Monroe.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.