Bruce R. Upchurch of Richmond, IN and Naples, FL passed away suddenly on January 2nd, 2022. He was born June 8th, 1964 and lovingly raised in Muncie by his parents, Joseph R. & Mary Jane Upchurch.
After graduating from Delta High School in 1982 while excelling in the pool as a highly decorated swimmer, Bruce began a 40-year career as a successful entrepreneur and business owner that would be rivaled by few.
Bruce embarked on his life’s work at Muncie’s BorgWarner where he honed his raw skills for over a decade. It was his next move that would change his life and the lives of countless others. He became a plant manager and eventually owner at B&F Plastics of Richmond, Indiana. Through years of dedication and long hours, Bruce, along with so many others built B&F into the thriving company it is today.
Through B&F Plastics and its success, Bruce was now able to answer his true calling, the desire to help others. Affectionately, even Bruce’s size 16 feet couldn’t come close to matching the size of his heart. A partial list of those he helped and kept close to that huge heart… Boys & Girls Clubs, InConcert, Communities in Schools, Seton Catholic Schools, Richmond Day Nursery, Blue Angels Fund, First Tee, Gigi’s Playhouse, STARability, Collier County Special Olympics, Naples Zoo, and Forest Hills CC, where he served as President of the Board.
The tale of Bruce’s generosity wouldn’t be complete without mention to his deep love and admiration of veterans, current military, first responders, police officers, and their families, through the Tunnels to Towers Foundation and other charities to support military families.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Susan Beth Upchurch, cherished daughter, Chelsea Upchurch, brother, Brian Upchurch (Amy) and their children, Stephanie Upchurch, Brandon Upchurch, and Allison Litavsky (Rudy), with many other nieces and nephews, including his young pals, Lauren Sorbara and Carson & Katelyn Scheiben. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph R. & Mary Jane Upchurch.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bruce’s name to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, Special Olympics of Collier County, Boys and Girls Club of Wayne County, STARability, and Gigi’s playhouse Fort Myers.
Celebration of life to follow.
Online condolences may be offered at FullerNaples.com.