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.

07/21/2026

Helen Russell Dailey

Mrs. Helen Russell Dailey, age 85, of Hilham, TN, passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at her residence.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Upton-Hay Funeral Home with Kenzie Adams officiating and interment to follow in the McDonald Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until time for the service.

She was born on Wednesday, November 13, 1940, to Ruby Ann (Rich) and Elmer Lee Fikes. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her daughter, Betty Jo Daily; husband, Deward Robin Dailey; siblings, Anna, Billy, and Joe Martin Fikes.

Helen worked many years at Upton Funeral Home organizing, cleaning, and performing various other tasks. She then took on the role of being a full-time housewife in her own home, which required way more than any public job.

She enjoyed sewing, quilting, and gardening. She was an outdoor person of sorts, had an eye for ginseng, it was told she could spot it on a hill side two hollows away, and loved to hunt dry land fish.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Sue Ashburn and Lisa McDonald (Doug); grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Joe Watson (Amber), Jonathan Lawson (Cheryl), Craig Capps (Christy), Ashley Smith (Thomas), Christian McDonald, Amber Jolin (Joseph), Cole McDonald (Brooke), Lyla Watson, Chloe Lawson, Zoe and Cameron Linder, Acelyn Capps, Caden, Parker, Aliya, Charly, Alisabeth Smith, Tinsli Jo Jolin, Wylder McDonald, and Vienna Blair McDonald on the way; brother, Kenneth Sims, Jr.; as well as a host of friends and family members that will mourn her passing.

The Upton-Hay Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Helen Russell Dailey.

View Helen Russell Dailey's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/19/2026

Lyda Hazel Jones

Mrs. Lyda Hazel Jones, age 89, of Celina, TN, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Livingston Regional Hospital.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Upton-Hay Funeral Home with Darrin Gore officiating and interment to follow in the Williams Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Monday, July 20, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. until time for the service.

She was born on Sunday, December 27, 1936, to Letha (Wells) and Clury Spears. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her son, Roger Watson; husbands, Alton Watson, Johnny Burchett, and Joe Ray Jones; and 11 siblings.

Lyda worked at Osh Kosh for over 20 years. She enjoyed playing board games and cards with her family and friends on the weekends, aggravation, rook, and bingo were a few of her favorites. She took pride in making the flowers for her loved ones for decoration at the cemetery, she loved doing things like that. Last but not least, she enjoyed watching the merlins in her yard, she had many houses up for them and would go to any extreme necessary to keep the black birds away.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Joseph Watson (Amber), Aubrey Watson (Valerie), and Lance Watson (Keylee); step-daughters, Brenda Boles, Dolores Rich (Wayne), Sherry Burton, and Dannette Bonner; great-grandchild, Lyla Watson and Henry Alton Watson; 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. Lyda Hazel Jones.

View Lyda Hazel Jones's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/16/2026

Jacky Chitwood

Mr. Jacky Chitwood, age 72, of Celina, TN, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Celina Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Upton-Hay Funeral Home with Tim McHenry officiating and interment to follow in the Moss Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until time for the service.

He was born on Thursday, November 26, 1953, to the late Cenia Ree (White) and Neville Chitwood. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister Linda Seals; brother Charles Richard Chitwood.

Jacky was a kind soul, who had a love for his family and friends that shined as bright as the sun. He enjoyed playing cards, watching sports, most of all spending time with his friends and family.

He is survived by his children, Sabrina Wade (Jamey), Robin Mayberry (Brad); grandchildren, Tanner, Payton, Gatlen, Mason, and Emily Wade, Eli and Jase Mayberry; 5 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Donna Chitwood; nieces, Rachel Saliba, and Kim Seals; as well as a host of friends and neighbors that will mourn his passing.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Moss Cemetery.

The Upton-Hay Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Jacky Chitwood.

View Jacky Chitwood's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/14/2026

Carolyn Sue Rhoton

Mrs. Carolyn Sue Rhoton, age 64, of Celina, TN, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Livingston Regional Hospital.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Upton-Hay Funeral Home with interment to follow in the Williams Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, July 15, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until time for the service.

She was born on Tuesday, June 26, 1962, to Saraphene (Daniel) and Hosea Tucker. In addition to her father, she was also preceded in death by her children Jessica and Joshua.

Carolyn enjoyed sunflowers, her cats, and traveling, Mexico was among a favorite destination of hers. She had a fiery soul and approached everyday full of passion and spirit living life on her own terms.

She is survived by her children, Cody Rhoton (MaeHaylee), Ayla Rhoton, Raven Dulworth (Jordan); mother, Saraphene Tucker; brothers, Darrell Tucker (Jamie), Ted Tucker (Kim); sister, Brenda Smith (Raymond); 7 grandchildren, and one on the way; as well as a host of friends and neighbors that will mourn her passing.

View Carolyn Sue Rhoton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/09/2026

Amanda C. Hale

Mrs. Amanda C. Hale, age 47, of Moss, TN, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Celina Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Upton-Hay Funeral Home with Jason Thompson officiating and interment to follow in the Ray Williams Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. until time for the service.

She was born on Sunday, December 3, 1978, to Connie (Scott) and Roy Johnson. In addition to her father, she was also preceded in death by both maternal and paternal grandparents; as well as a host of aunts and uncles.

Amanda married her husband of 26 years in May of 2000, finished college and began teaching here in Clay County shortly thereafter. The countless number of children’s lives she has impacted over the years is truly remarkable. She was far more than just a teacher. She had the heart of a servant, and a smile that could light up the darkest of days.

She enjoyed teaching, traveling, an occasional shopping trip, and attending church at Unionhill Church of Christ. However, nothing compared to the enjoyment she experienced when spending time with her boys. She was truly the happiest while chasing them between all the things they love to do. Riding motorcycles, playing sports, it didn’t matter as long as they were spending time together.

Amanda is survived by her spouse, Clayton Hale; sons, Zander and Hobie Hale; mother, Connie Johnson; sister, Kim Head (Gary); as well as a host of family and friends that will mourn her passing.

The Upton-Hay Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Amanda C. Hale.

View Amanda C. Hale's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/28/2026

Mildred Holman Groce

Ms. Mildred Holman Groce, age 77, of Celina, TN, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Livingston Regional Hospital.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Upton-Hay Funeral Home with Odell Braswell officiating and interment to follow in the Perkins Cemetery in Cumberland County, KY. Visitation with the family will be Friday, July 3, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. until time for the service.

She was born on Monday, May 2, 1949, to the late Rettie (Wyatt) and Alexander Holman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her spouse, Hubert Junior Groce; son, Lance Wright; sisters, Ruby Groce, Alyne Holman, Belle Garrison, and Betty Crawford; brothers, Harold and Lester Holman.

Mildred spent most of her adult life working as a cashier, the last several years she worked at Dollar General Store where she received the nickname Millie. She was always so sweet, helpful and kind to customers.

She enjoyed reading, however she loved being outdoors the most.

She is survived by her daughter, Chrystal Hope Moore (Billy); son, Gary Paul Branham; grandchildren, Cody Arnold, Dacey Branham, Kaylee Wright, Katelyne Wright, Khloe Wright, Nevaeh Boehm, Lexi Owen, Casey Biggs, Amber Moore, Shianne Brown and Clementine Day; great grandchildren, Serenity Arnold, Reagan Arnold, Millie Arnold, Lainey Arnold, Landon Biggs, Easton Biggs, Bayleigh Biggs, Bryce Brown, Maci Brown, and Nathan Johnson; brother, Grady Holman; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors that will mourn her passing.

The Upton-Hay Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Mildred Holman Groce.

View Mildred Holman Groce's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/11/2026

Patsy Newman

Ms. Patsy Newman, age 57, of Celina, TN, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Livingston Regional Hospital.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Upton-Hay Funeral Home with Kenny Westmoreland officiating and interment to follow in the Pricetown Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Friday, June 12, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. until time for the service.

She was born on Sunday, June 16, 1968, to the late Wanda (Smith) and Ridley Newman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the love of her life Randall Bow.

Patsy made a career in the sewing factory. She enjoyed shopping and her fur babies, but most of all, her grandsons. She was present in all the things they participated in, from sports to school functions, she was there. Patsy will leave an irreplaceable void in the lives of all that knew and loved her.

She is survived by her daughters, Candice Threet (Aaron) and Bethany Bow (Ryan Blakley); grandchildren, Brody and Ben Threet; sister, Lisa Davis (Danny); brothers, Timmy Newman, and Tommy Newman; as well as a host of friends and neighbors that will mourn her passing.

View Patsy Newman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/20/2026

Christopher Smith

Mr. Christopher Smith, age 56, of Moss, TN, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at his residence.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Upton-Hay Funeral Home with Tim Eaton and Chris Vinson officiating and interment to follow in the Liberty Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, May23, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until time for the service.

He was born on Sunday, May 3, 1970, to Henrietta (Jones) and Donnie Smith. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Turner and Dean Smith, Patricia and Charles Padgett; father-in-law, Lanay White.

Christopher was a lumber inspector, which required attention to details, and extreme knowledge of the various species of lumber.

He enjoyed golfing and watching sports. To say he was a Tennessee fan would be an understatement, he was hardcore

Christopher is survived by his spouse, Mandy Smith; children, Ali Russell (Dawson), Aden Smith (Briley), and Avery Smith; parents, Donnie and Henrietta Smith; mother-in-law, Linda White; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors that will mourn his passing.

View Christopher Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/09/2026

Pearlie Tidwell

Mrs. Pearlie Tidwell, age 74, of Hilham, TN, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at her residence.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, May 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Upton-Hay Funeral Home with interment to follow in the Turkeytown Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Monday, May 11, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until time for the service.

She was born on Friday, August 17, 1951, to the late Thelma (Boles) and Fowler Beechboard. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Edward Tidwell; sister, Kathy Dailey; and Brother, Leon Beechboard.

Pearlie was a homemaker; she worked inside of their home providing for her family. She enjoyed cooking and crafting. She will be missed by all that knew and loved her.

She is survived by her spouse, Jerry Tidwell; daughter, Karen Tidwell; 6 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; brother, Carl Beechboard (Sherry) as well as a host of friends and neighbors that will mourn her passing.

View Pearlie Tidwell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/29/2026

Richard Sidebottom

Mr. Richard Sidebottom, age 76, of Celina, TN, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, due to sickness.

The family has chosen cremation to honor his wishes. There are no services to announce.

He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on Wednesday, August 3, 1949, to the late Mildred (Lovely) and Ernest Sidebottom. At the age of 18 he joined the US Army and went off to Vietnam. During his tour of service, he gained many friends which still ring true today.

Richard was a New England Sports Fan, even after moving to Tennessee.

Predeceased by his parents, brother Ernest “Peppy”, sister Nancy, and three infant sons, Scott, Stephen, and Richard.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia of 35 years; daughters Katie of Celina, Tennessee, Melissa, Allison, and a son Christopher all of Beverly, Massachusetts; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and childhood friend, Joe (Janet) Santackas of Alamogordo, New Mexico.

The Upton-Hay Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Richard Sidebottom.

View Richard Sidebottom'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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