Upton-Hay Funeral Home

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; Netherton 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.

Mr. Champ Steven Smith, age 66, of Celina, TN, passed away on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Cookeville Regional Medical C...
10/31/2025

Mr. Champ Steven Smith, age 66, of Celina, TN, passed away on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. For complete obituary or to leave condolences, please visit our website at

Mr. Roger Westmoreland, age 71, of Celina, TN, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Livingston Regional Hospit...
10/30/2025

Mr. Roger Westmoreland, age 71, of Celina, TN, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Livingston Regional Hospital. For complete obituary or to leave condolences, please visit our website at https://www.uptonfuneralhome.com/listings

Mr. Randall Gray, age 76, of Celina, TN, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Celina Health and Rehabilitation ...
10/24/2025

Mr. Randall Gray, age 76, of Celina, TN, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Celina Health and Rehabilitation Center. For complete obituary or to leave condolences, please visit our website at https://www.uptonfuneralhome.com/listings

Mr. Walter Johnson Boone, age 82, of Gallatin, Tn, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Clarendale at Indian C...
10/23/2025

Mr. Walter Johnson Boone, age 82, of Gallatin, Tn, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Clarendale at Indian Creek Lake. For complete obituary or to leave condolences, please visit our website at https://www.uptonfuneralhome.com/listings

Mrs. Nancy Cherry, age 77, of the Unionhill Community, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Celina Health and ...
10/22/2025

Mrs. Nancy Cherry, age 77, of the Unionhill Community, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Celina Health and Rehabilitation Center. For complete obituary or to leave condolences, please visit our website at https://www.uptonfuneralhome.com/listings

Mrs. Rachel Jeanette Wix, age 83, of Celina, TN, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Celina Health and Rehabil...
10/16/2025

Mrs. Rachel Jeanette Wix, age 83, of Celina, TN, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Celina Health and Rehabilitation Center. For complete obituary or to leave condolences, please visit our website at https://www.uptonfuneralhome.com/

Mr. Aaron Jr. White II, also known as Red Barron, age 59, of Moss, TN passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Mo...
09/21/2025

Mr. Aaron Jr. White II, also known as Red Barron, age 59, of Moss, TN passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Monroe County Medical Center. For complete obituary or to leave condolences, please visit our website at www.uptonhayfuneralhome.com

Mr. Roger Dale Coleman, age 75, of Moss, TN, passed away on September 6, 2025, at Monroe County Medical Center. For comp...
09/19/2025

Mr. Roger Dale Coleman, age 75, of Moss, TN, passed away on September 6, 2025, at Monroe County Medical Center. For complete obituary or to leave condolences, please visit our website at www.uptonhayfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Shirley Ann Dyer, age 64, of Celina, TN passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Cumberland County Hospital. F...
09/15/2025

Mrs. Shirley Ann Dyer, age 64, of Celina, TN passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Cumberland County Hospital. For complete obituary or to leave condolences, please visit our website at www.uptonhayfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Betty Ann Pedigo, age 80, of the Hermitage Springs community, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Alive...
09/14/2025

Mrs. Betty Ann Pedigo, age 80, of the Hermitage Springs community, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Alive Hospice in Nashville, TN. For complete obituary or to leave condolences, please visit our website at www.uptonhayfuneralhome.com

Sharing a funeral of interest.Greg CraigHORNER CHAPEL - Gregory Dean “Poppy” Craig , age 68, of Nashville, TN went to be...
09/10/2025

Sharing a funeral of interest.
Greg Craig
HORNER CHAPEL - Gregory Dean “Poppy” Craig , age 68, of Nashville, TN went to be with the Lord peacefully with his spouse by his side at Alive Hospice on Tuesday, September 9,2025.

Born on February 3, 1957, at UT Hospital in Knoxville, TN, Greg lived a life marked by dedication to family, faith, and hard work. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.

He is survived by his devoted wife Pamela Craig; his daughter Ashley Butts; his cherished granddaughter Adalynn Mahaffey. His bond with Adalynn was especially meaningful. She lovingly described him as “a kind and caring grandfather and a special gift from God,” words that beautifully capture the essence of who he was. He is also remembered by his sister Terri Craig; nephew Sean Clinard; nieces Olivia Hetzer (Kevin) and Tiffany Craig; great nephew Bryson Gregory Hetzer; sister-in-law Lisa Butts; and brothers in law Dennis Butts and Jeff Cashion. Each of them held a special place in Greg’s heart.

He was preceded in death by his mother Eva Marie Sparks Craig Rich, his father Joseph Harold Craig, brother Steve Craig and niece Felicia Fultz.

A tribute is planned for Friday night September 12 at the Celina/Monterey football game in honor of Greg. Greg graduated from Celina High School in Celina, TN where many acknowledge him as one of the best athletes the school has ever had. He then attended MTSU. He loved sports, including basketball, football, and baseball. He passed his love of sports to his family. Being from Knoxville, he was an avid UT fan and always said his blood ran orange. Greg rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his favorite team. If there was a sport on TV he was watching, and yes, even co****le.

Greg began his professional journey in the collections industry, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of business operations. In 1992, driven by determination and entrepreneurial spirit, he founded his own company - Account Management Services - which became a testament to his vision and perseverance.

Beyond his career accomplishments, Greg was also a devoted caregiver to his mother until her passing, embodying compassion and unwavering familial devotion. He enjoyed exploring garage and estate sales for hidden treasures, camping under the stars and fishing, taking vacations to Dale Hollow Lake, vacations to Florida’s sunny shores, and retreating to the peaceful cabins at Muddy Pond Mennonite community.

His legacy is one of faith, love, strength, and quiet generosity - a man who gave freely of himself to family and those around him. A man of deep faith and wisdom, Greg was known for always having the right words at the right time. His guidance and insight left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know him.

Funeral services for Gregory Dean Craig will be held Monday September 15, 2025 at 12:00 pm in the Horner Funeral Home with Pastor Will Sensing officiating. Interment will follow in the Welch Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Horner Funeral Home.

Pallbearers include family and friends, Kevin Hetzer, Greg Beatty, Mike Sherman, Scott Grant and David Hilliard.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alive Hospice in Nashville, TN in Greg’s memory.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.

Mrs. Kathy Sue Strong, age 82, of Moss, TN, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Celina Health and Rehabilitati...
09/10/2025

Mrs. Kathy Sue Strong, age 82, of Moss, TN, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Celina Health and Rehabilitation Center. For complete obituary or to leave condolences, please visit our website at www.uptonhayfuneralhome.com

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307 W Lake Avenue
Celina, TN
38551

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