In Loving Memory of Danny Lanier Upshaw

With heartfelt warmth and deep love, we gather to honor the beautiful life of Danny Lanier Upshaw, who peacefully passed away on August 4, 2026, at the age of 73.

Danny was born on May 11, 1953, the late Ralph Upshaw Sr. and Eartha Lee Stevenson (Upshaw). He graduated from Lima Senior High School and earned a degree from Wilmington College.

On July 2, 2002, Danny was united in marriage to Nancy Jane Archer in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

He dedicated 15 years of hard work to Heidtman Steel in Butler, Indiana, retiring in 2019 and moving to Florida. Noticing that retirement felt a bit too slow, Danny stayed busy by taking a position in the salad division at Publix Warehouse in Lakeland, Florida, where he remained employed until his death.

Danny found joy in life’s simple, most precious moments. He especially cherished time with his large family and grandchildren, creating wonderful memories they will treasure forever. Whether he was trying his luck with his daily scratch-offs or relaxing with an episode of NCIS or S.W.A.T., Danny had a special way of finding comfort, laughter, and happiness in each day.

Danny was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His love and presence meant so much to everyone fortunate enough to know him, and he will be deeply missed.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Nancy Jane Upshaw of Auburndale, Florida, who will always cherish his memory. His children—Nancy Grant (John) of Rockville, Maryland; Aundrea Archer-Diggs (Antwain) of McDonough, Georgia; William Sewell II (Sierra) of Lima, Ohio; Durrell Johnson (Kendria) of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; and Akina Johnson of Detroit, Michigan—hold him close in their hearts. He also leaves behind 11 cherished grandchildren: Jalen, Kaeleb, Jason, Abrielle, Ashton, Azekiel, Durrell Jr., KaVion, Devante, DeAngelo, and Taryn, who brought him joy, and his two special nieces, Stacy and Danielle, who were like daughters to him. His warmth and love are also fondly remembered by a wonderful circle of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends, all of whom loved him dearly.

Danny is dearly loved and remembered by his siblings: Arthur Lee Upshaw (Blanche), Cassandra Gunn, Larry Shine, and Darren Bolden, all of Lima, Ohio; Samantha Bolden of Columbus, Ohio; and Ruthie May Davis of Valdosta, Georgia.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ralph Upshaw Jr.; his sister, Beverly Upshaw-Tyson; his aunts, Louise McPlatt and Frankie Lee Smith; and his dear nephew, Da’Vontae Upshaw.

Though Danny’s earthly journey has come to an end, the love he gave, the memories he created, and the place he holds in his family’s hearts will never fade. He will be loved, missed, and remembered forever.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026 at the Jones-Clark Funeral Home Chapel from 4:00pm- 8:00pm with the family present from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.Homegoing celebration will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church at 10:00am.

Interment: Woodlawn Cemetery

Services entrusted to: JONES-CLARK FUNERAL HOME, INC.

To order flowers and to offer condolences to the Upshaw Family visit www.jonesclarkfuneralhome.com