Born in Curepipe, Mauritius (Africa) on March 12, 2005, Sawyer Lee Updike graced the world with his presence until January 16, 2024. A proud graduate of Dawson High School, Class of 2023, Sawyer was a freshman at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering.
Standing tall at 6’6″, Sawyer radiated warmth beyond his height, epitomized by his infectious smile. His family and friends cherished the moments he shared laughter and found solace in the unspoken thoughts reflected in his expressive face.
A standout in the realm of sports, Sawyer proudly wore the number 85 as an award-winning football player for the Dawson Eagles. His athletic prowess extended to baseball, golf, and a passion for bass fishing with the Dawson Anglers. He excelled not only as a player for Dawson High School but also dedicated additional time to club baseball with the Dad’s Club in Pearland.
Sawyer‘s interests went beyond sports. He was a proud Boy Scout, embodying the values of scouting. Additionally, from elementary school into high school, he played the tuba in the school band. Despite his occasional sideline nap during high school marching band practice, Sawyer always found the right note when it mattered.
Sawyer embraced campus life, becoming an active participant in the Texas Sigma Chi fraternity at the University of Texas. He showcased his skills on the intramural football team and as a member of the University of Texas Trap and Skeet Competition Team.
Sawyer‘s passions spanned the thrill of the hunt to the serene art of fishing. As a true outdoorsman, he found joy in cooking the spoils of his expeditions, sharing culinary creations with those around him.
Although not a man of many words, Sawyer‘s actions, and above all, his unforgettable smile, resonated deeply. He was a beloved soul, touching the hearts of all fortunate enough to know him.
Sawyer Lee Updike leaves behind a legacy of cherished friends and family – especially his 100 year old great-grandmother, Wilma Roberts, grandparents Thomas (Dick) Roberts, Kathy Roberts, Lynda Updike, his brother Michael (Hart) Updike, and parents Sheri Roberts-Updike and Lee (LJ) Updike, all who love and miss him dearly.
When Barry was in his early 20s he was in an accident by a drunk driver. He had severe brain trauma and had a 5% chance of living through the night after immediate brain surgery. As you know he lived many many years after. He was such a fighter. He taught himself how to walk and write again. Built his little small house on his own , but of course with little help here and there from family and friends. He has lived on a fixed income since his early 20s but he had such a giving heart and was always helping those less fortunate. Ive never known anyone with such a big and caring heart. If someone was hungry he would feed them. Even if he didnt have much to give them he would give them something. He had such a sense of humor and was always the joker and the flirt. He NEVER ever met a stranger. When I would take him to the doctors office he had to speak to everyone there in the waiting room and always finished with “God Bless” ! I am going to miss him tremendously! My heart really hurts and I feel a huge void in my life but I do know he is with my mama in heaven and that gives me some comfort. Also, gives me some comfort knowing that even after he was gone he was able to help someone else. This is something that I know he would have wanted. Barry lived the biggest part of his life with severe mental and physical handicaps but was always very adamant about doing things himself. 
David wanted to help others. He exemplified the life of servant leadership and devotion to Jesus. His favorite Bible verse was Isaiah 6:8. His legacy was based on his love for The Lord. A Coast Guard Academy graduate and a deck officer in the Merchant Marine for 21 years, David helped others with his service through disaster relief with Samaritan’s Purse and as chaplain with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. He also served as a chaplain with the Emergency chaplains of Durham, NC. David spent the last 5 months of his life working with the Spartanburg Opportunity Center, a homeless shelter in SC as well as helping with his church.
