Born on February 24, 1962, in Batesville, Mississippi, Pastor Barry Upshaw was the third of ten children in a household filled with love and resilience. His father, a sharecropper, instilled in him a strong work ethic, while his mother nurtured their large family with care and devotion. These early experiences became the foundation of his lifelong commitment to perseverance and service.
From a young age, he was a constant whirlwind of energy, excelling in sports such as basketball, football, track, and baseball. While athletics defined much of his youth, so did his love for learning and his greatest pursuit was not on the field—it was in the realm of faith and education. His journey led him to Southwestern College in Paradise Valley, Arizona, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Christian Ministries, then he later received his master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University. For 24 years, he has dedicated himself to shaping young minds, and serving as a public school teacher. Beyond the classroom, he seeks ways to uplift the community and meet people in need where they are.
Since moving to Arizona in 1987, Christ has been a pivotally important part of his life. He joined the Salt of the Earth Baptist Church, and here is where met our founding Pastor, Claudell Miles, a mentor who would shape his spiritual journey. It was also here at Salt of the Earth that he met his wife, Sherry, in Sunday School—a meeting that marked the beginning of a beautiful union. In 1989, they married, building a blended family of seven children. Though they faced the heartbreaking loss of their eldest daughter, their family continued to grow, now blessed with six living children, 17 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Pastor Barry Upshaw has bravely served our country in the US National Guard for 27 years, with pride and honor.
Pastor Upshaw uses this scripture to remain steadfast and dedicated: "1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." Through every trial, every challenge, and every blessing, the Lord has guided his path. His story is one of perseverance, faith, and a deep commitment to leading, educating, and serving others. Today, as he embarks on the next chapter, he remains ever grateful for the lessons of the journey and the strength God gave him along the way.