Upton Ralph Dabney, Sr., 69, died on April 20, 2014. He was born December 31, 1944 in Jersey City, New Jersey, the son of Barry and Wanda (Kaprowski) Dabney.

Upton Graduated from Dickinson High School in Jersey City, New Jersey, Class of 1963. He also attended college in Jersey City, NJ. Upton married his high school sweetheart, Madeline Josephine Harasts in September of 1963. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in September 2013 with their children and grandchildren.

Upton’s career in design/mechanical engineering led to opportunities to move the family from Jersey City, NJ to Tupelo, MS, Knoxville, TN, Dubuque, IA, and then to Morristown, TN. It was in Morristown where they settled. Later in Upton’s career, he had the opportunity to work in Lexington, KY, and then Carthage, MO. He maintained his home, residence and family in Morristown, but managed to travel for work and advance his career. Upton attained the level of Vice President of Research and Development and Engineering at Leggett & Platt in Carthage, MO. He Retired at 57. Through his career, he was also recognized as Inventor on over 20 US Patents. His inventions were for mechanical working for reclining chairs, and for various springs and metal mechanisms that would be found in box springs. Upton also enjoyed international travel in order to fulfill his work responsibilities and for personal pleasure. He enjoyed Golf, photography, sailing, diving, and was a loyal Libertarian. Upton loved to study the Bible, and was strong, yet private in his faith.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Barry George Dabney, and a sister, Mary Jane Vanderporten; and a grand-daughter, Jessica Lee Monroe. Surviving are daughters, Dawn Dabney (Jeff Lester), Karen Montgomery (James), Upton R. Dabney, Jr; Grandchildren, Quentin Dabney, Matthew Rogers, and Jennifer Rogers; and many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

The Family will receive friends Saturday, April 26th from 1-2 pm at Allen Funeral Home, Morristown, TN. A Memorial Services will follow the visitation. Upton’s cremated remains will be laid to rest next to his wife at the Hamblen Memory Gardens, in Morristown, TN. Interment will be determined at a later date.

Condolences may be left for the family via the Book of Memories.