Eddie Upshaw accepts the award for Walker County’s citizen of the year.A group of Walker County, Ga., residents named Eddie Upshaw citizen of the year during the Walker Chamber of Commerce’s annual gala last weekend.
Upshaw won the award based on his community involvement, according to a news release. Upshaw said he is on the boards of the Primary Health Department, the Walker County Board of Health, the Chickamauga Lions Club, the North Georgia YMCA, Georgia Public Health, The Cottage, Hutcheson Health Enterprises and the Family Crisis Center of Walker, Dade, Catoosa and Whitfield counties.
“It is an honor for us to be able to recognize Eddie Upshaw for his many, many hours of volunteer service,” said Walker County Chamber of Commerce President Lacey Wilson.
Upshaw, a lifelong resident of the county, said he did not know he was nominated for the honor before attending the gala at the Fairyland Club on Lookout Mountain on Saturday night. He wished he had known in advance, he said; he would have worn a dark suit instead of his gray one.
Still, he couldn’t complain. He was surprised by the award.
“It’s wonderful,” Upshaw said. “I love Walker County. I just can’t believe someone would give me an award for something you enjoy doing.”
According to a news release, a committee of residents from Walker County’s four cities determines the list of finalists for the annual award. They select the finalist group based on volunteer and philanthropic work.
Upshaw, who retired from North Georgia Electric Membership Corp., has dedicated much of his life to public service, according to the release.
“He is a truly humble man working to help the less fortunate and underprivileged,” according to Upshaw’s official nomination for the honor, “not for recognition or to be in the spotlight, but because he loves this community and its people.”
Contact staff writer Tyler Jett at tjett@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6476.