Mooresville Senior HIgh School Class of 1979

Please join me in sending condolences to the family of our friend and classmate Larry Upright. We lost him this past week...

Obituary for Larry Dean Upright
Larry Dean Upright, 61, of Mooresville, passed away on Thursday, December 2, 2021.
He was born on November 25, 1960 in Mooresville, to the late Frank and Martha Greenhill Upright.
Larry was also known as "Bucko" and "L.D.". Had a passion for astrology. Multiple bookcases housed his vast collection of science fiction novels, which also complimented Larry's fascination with the universe. Larry was a decorated member of the Mooresville Loyal Order OF Moose, winning multiple awards. His unique sense of humor and witty intellect propelled his career with Empire Distributors, Inc. Recently returning as a dedicated asset to the company.
Larry's joyous demeanor will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to be in his presence. Larry's influence and devotion to his grandchildren is an everlasting legacy that will always be treasured.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Martha Upright; brother, Steve Upright; father-in-law, Joseph Smith; and brother-in-law, Curtis Griffith.
He is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Tina Griffith Upright; children, Joseph Rosenbalm (Becky), Jeffrey Leithold (Kayla); sister, Debra Young; grandchildren, Hailey and Tristan Rosenbalm; nieces, Haven Russ (Jacob), Darah Griffith (Jay), Christa Griffith; nephews, Jason Young, Ryann Griffith (Marissa), Logan Griffith; great nephews, Braxdon Russ, Talon Russ, Oaklen Russ; mother-in-law, Libby Smith; his dog, "Pig"; brother-in-law, David Griffith (Sarah); and sister-in-law, Carla Griffith.
A private memorial service will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the organization of your choice.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville is serving the Upright family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Larry Dean Upright please visit our Sympathy Store.

Mrs Smith with some “Friends”

And four stages complete on the reunion excursion. Blessed beyond measure!

Jeffrey’s. Phase 4. Class of ‘79 together again!

Phase 3. Reunion 40 on point!

Reunion 40 phase 2 complete. Now off to the Vineyard!

Apps and Tapps to begin the weekend. Urban Grind now. Phase Two begins...

And we’re off! Reunion fun has begun!

{from a reunion passed - sentiment remains the same}

"in just five days i will greet once again the icons of my past that influenced me in ways they can never understand. and somewhere between the smiles and handshakes, memories will force their way to the surface of the sea of nostalgia only to become, in passing, mere ripples. those that mattered will retain their "hi-lites" and the others will take their place once again contained in the world of black and white. how easily we find our way out of the maze of youth. well, i suppose that is a blanket statement for the majority of the 151 that marched across that stage on a Friday night oh so long ago. for me, moving past the pomp and circumstance would imply the closing of a door. and while the thought of occupying a room less occupied has its merit, letting go of hands that held my heart is simply just too difficult a task. someone asked me why i place so much effort into this process of "reunion". my reply? "how do you say goodbye to family?" "how do you loosen the tethers of dreams un-knowing their demise?" if you will, before you callously toss your remark into the chat, remember how it felt on that first day we met. how extravagant the simplicity of life less defined. how awesome the process of becoming! you helped me weave the tapestry of my life. each thread, each careful placement of color you chose defined my me. and if nothing else i say ever matters more, please know just how magnificent; the measure of your time, invested in the making of this oh-so-simple me! indebted, i am to you, forever... and oh so very grateful!"

One week out.
Have you taken a moment of your time to RSVP? Or perhaps you've put it off? Please let me know if you haven't already. I need to give head counts on Tues. Can't wait to see you!
Please respond either way.

40 years of tracking you down.
40 years of looking forward to seeing you.
40 years of thinking perhaps I missed someone.
Do me the honor of at least a moment of your time?
Deal?
Don't assume I know that you will be there. Simply reply or message me. Either way please - so I spare you the continued harassment... LOL

With much love and respect...

"Planning for my upcoming 40th High School reunion, i'm amazed at how easily i can pull from memory specific moments - snapshots of a life-time passing oh so quickly. for the past four decades i have tried with extreme deliberation to pull together a small but passionate class of graduates from a typical high school in a typical small town. back then there were few choices for social entertainment. driving a meticulously clean car up and down the strip - aka main street - was usually the highlight of the weekend. add your best friend or current item of companion to the scenario and wha-la - instant magic. as i look back on where this journey started, i see the faces of too many no longer recipient's of invitation as their story ended much too soon. i think about the good times - count my blessings. and as is the case with any story of defined credibility, i also remember the not so fond occurrences of interaction. we all have them. isolated incidence of awkward confrontation. dialogue of disengage. and while less than favored among the pages of our past, their impact fundamental to the development of our character.

tonight i close this post with anticipation.

in just seven weeks i will revisit friendships spanning nearly six decades. stories will be told. memories recalled. and when the last goodbye is spoken - i will return to the familiarity of my current situation. grateful for the communion. oh so blessed for the privilege of belong."