Crossville, TN – Tom J. Upshaw, 94, of Crossville, died on April 18, 2026 at Cumberland House in Crossville.

Tom was born on June 11, 1931 in Birmingham, AL, the son of Willa Jowers and W. C. Upshaw. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his three sisters, Sara Upshaw, Carolyn Harris, Ann Sahadi and brother, Bill Upshaw. He is survived by a brother, Jim Upshaw of Gardendale, AL and a son, Brian Thomas Upshaw of Crossville.

Tom was a graduate of Samford University in Birmingham, AL. He also earned a Master’s degree from George Peabody College in Nashville and a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.

Tom came to Crossville as pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church from 1956-1961. He was also a teacher, football and basketball coach at CCHS from 1956-1958 and at Homesteads High School from 1959 1961.

From 1961-1968, Tom returned to Alabama as church pastor and football coach in Hanceville, Bridgeport and Hazel Green, AL. He was assistant principal and athletic director at CCHS in 1968. He left in 1969 and was assistant principal and principal of high schools in Marietta, GA from 1969-1975. In 1975 Tom returned to Crossville and served as principal at CCHS until 1978. He also served as a school board member from 1978-1984.

Tom became the owner of Upshaw Furniture from 1980-1993. His father and brothers were also in the furniture business. He was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church and taught an adult Sunday School class for 20 years.

A memorial service celebrating Tom’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2026, with visitation from noon to 2 p.m. at First Methodist Church in Crossville. We invite all who knew and loved Tom to join us in honoring his memory.

In lieu of flowers, Tom requested that memorial contributions be made to the charity or church of your choice.