In memory of David Michael Upson, age 64, New Smyrna Beach, FL. Born on March 7 ^th , 1955 at Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach, FL, he passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 29, 2019. A son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, artist, poet, writer, musician, fisherman, and lover of life and people. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him.

David is preceded in death by many friends and family, most notably his mother, Barbara Sinclair Oates, and father, Luther Lee Upson. He leaves behind two brothers, Steve and Joby Upson; a sister, Keri Upson; his adult children, Blaid Upson and Erika Treadway; his adult grandchildren, Aryana Lundy, James Hamblin, and Dalton Downs; his great-granddaughters, Blake and Leighton Lundy; and friends too numerous to list.

A celebration of David's life will be held at River Breeze Park, 250 H.H. Burch Road, Oak Hill, FL, on Saturday October 19 ^th , 2019 at 1:00 PM. Family and friends will enjoy food, play some music, pass a bottle, and share memories and funny stories of a life well lived and a man well loved. Open to any and all who knew and loved him! Feel free to bring a covered dish and/or your spirits of choice, the park requests no glass containers. As always, please be responsible or bring a designated driver!!!

To Know You Still By David Upson

You told me once we never really mourn For what we've had and loved but fate withdrew 'Tis heartache for the times left still unborn Hence yearning for those things we never knew

So when that fiery orb which grief eschews From 'neath the murky clouds begins to peek It lacks your soothing warmth, but I will use The sun to dry the tears upon my cheek Through fountains' peal or shower from aloft The flow of water's calm will ease my pain Its touch not near as comforting or soft Yet solace still from warm and gentle rain

And I will cast my dreams upon the air To twirl and dance with undulating wind Whose gusty breath is free beyond compare Save claiming your expansive wit within With terra's fertile might to shore me up Its dusty knowledge proven long ago But still its strength may fail to fill my cup Since power of your wisdom I now know

For this will make my mark upon this place My spirit spilling forth from every hill Our passage here is not without a trace So listen close and you will know me still

With battles for beleaguered often fought The path you pushed through life effacing fear Each day remembers you with whispered thought So when my crushing sorrow wants you near I'll look to sun to find that special smile Or wade beside serene, inspiring spring To reason with its placid pool awhile And sense again the insight that you bring

Then turn my face into the busty breeze To listen for the laughter we would share It sparkled in your eyes and came with ease On joyous days that passed without a care At times when all seems lost then I will seek To find your aid in steadfast, stalwart earth New growth replacing old in life's mystique Rekindled hope resounding from rebirth

For you have made your mark upon this place Your spirit spilling forth from every hill Your passage here was not without a trace So I will listen close and know you still