A celebration of Life service for Stephen Dale Upton was conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, 2023, in the Saulters Moore Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ted Bowlin officiating.  Interment followed in the Whitesand Cemetery in Prentiss.  Steve, age 54, passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in Prentiss; his untimely death was a result of the profound loss he suffered and the unbearable grief he carried due to the loss of his only daughter, Brooke, on July 25, 2021.

The family received friends Wednesday, two hours prior to the chapel service, from noon until 2 p.m. at Saulters Moore Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers were James Dixon, Justin Shivers, Dustin Gilbert, Lee Swales, Ryan Upton and Bartlee Keisman.  Honorary pallbearers were Harrell Coulter and the late Scott DeHart.

Steve graduated from Prentiss High School and attended Hinds Community College to pursue his passion for electrical work. It was during this time that he honed his skills and obtained the necessary qualifications to become a certified electrician. Steve’s commitment to learning and professional growth in this field was evident throughout his career.  He will always be remembered for his zest for life and an ever-present sense of humor that brought joy to those around him. His friends recount the countless pranks they played on each other, creating cherished memories that will be shared and laughed about for generations.  Among his hobbies, Steve not only enjoyed hunting, but also had a passion for shooting his guns, honing his accuracy, and enjoying the challenge that marksmanship presented.

He was of the Baptist faith.

Steve’s absence among us is a great loss for the community, but his memory will forever be cherished by those he touched throughout his life.

Steve was preceded in death by his daughter, Brooke Upton Lott and his mother, Peggy Tuma.

His memory will forever be cherished by his father and step-mother, Roger Dale and Linda Upton of Silver Creek; his brother, Craig Upton (Kimberly) of Laurel; his sister, Theresa Bass (William) of Silver Creek; two grandsons, Sutton and Sawyer Lott of Seminary; his niece, Kaylee Upton of Hattiesburg and two nephews, Ryan Upton of Hattiesburg and Micah Upton of Laurel.  Steve also leaves behind a cousin that was very special to him, Angie Smith of Monticello.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com.