Brian Walter Updyke

Brian Walter Updyke, age 81, resident of Oakland, Tennessee, departed this life on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at his home.

Mr. Updyke was born in Trenton, New Jersey, the son of the late Walter Opdyke and Elizabeth Prestych Opdyke. He attended Brick Township High School, graduating in 1962 and earned an Associate’s Degree in college.

Brian was a race car driver, working and building race cars, a homebuilder, and musician, playing the drums. He also loved playing the guitar and singing “You are my Sunshine”, boat riding, drinking coffee, was a great storyteller and voice impersonator, but his passion was for race cars and going to NASCAR races.

Mr. Updyke is survived by his three daughters, Kelle Dudas (Star Hoover) of St. Petersburg, Florida, Cassie Updyke of Neptune, New Jersey, and Tiffany Alfonso (James Young) of Oakland, Tennessee; his son, Mitchel Gerlach (Amanda) of Manahawkin, New Jersey; sister, Marlene Smith; brother, Paul Updike; seven grandchildren, Gracie, Josie, Chel, and Dustin, Anthony, Zachary, and Cody; and three great-grandchilden, Hayden, Hannah, and Jaxson.

Donations in honor of Mr. Updyke’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society.