Eddie Upshaw was named the 2015 Walker County Citizen of the Year at the 33rd Annual Walker County Gala hosted by the Walker County Chamber of Commerce on Saturday at the Fairyland Club on Lookout Mountain.
Upshaw was presented the honor by Nelda Parrish, the 2011 recipient, who cited Upshaw’s dedication to many community, civic and religious organizations including the Chickamauga Lions Club, the Family Crisis Center of Walker, Dade, Catoosa and Whitfield Counties, and The Cottage.
“We had several deserving nominees this year who have made positive contributions to our local community, and it is an honor for us to be able to recognize Eddie Upshaw for his many, many hours of volunteer service,” said Lacey Wilson, President of the Walker County Chamber of Commerce.
The Citizen of the Year is selected based on outstanding volunteer or philanthropic dedication to Walker County.
All nominations are reviewed by a committee comprised of representatives from each of the four cities within the county, as well as three Chamber volunteers, along with a previous recipient of the award.
Mr. Upshaw is a lifelong resident of Walker County and has been married to Debbie Upshaw for 37 years. They have two children. Upshaw retired from North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation and from that point forward he has dedicated much of his time serving in numerous positions on boards and committees.
“He is a truly humble man working to help the less fortunate and under-privileged, not for recognition or to be in the spotlight, but because he loves this community and its people,” read the nomination form for Mr. Upshaw.
For more information on the Walker County Citizen of the Year, please visit www.walkercochamber.com or contact the Chamber at 706-375-7702.