The son of the Mr. Johnny C. and Mrs. Mary King Upshaw, Sammie was born in Columbus, GA and attended Kendrick High School. He was a member of Green Hills Baptist Church. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert L. Upshaw.

Surviving are: four sisters, Johnnie M. Upshaw, Mary Ann Jackson Rosie L. Pharram and Patricia A. Upshaw; three brothers, Arthur J. Upshaw, George W. Upshaw and Jeffrey Upshaw; an uncle, Moses Upshaw; three aunts, Katheryn Brantley, Mary R. Sanks and Ada Bell Upshaw; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.