Brian Walter Updyke

Brian Walter Updyke, age 81, of Oakland, Tennessee, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at his home.

Born in Trenton, New Jersey, to the late Walter Opdyke and Elizabeth Prestych Opdyke, Brian graduated from Brick Township High School in 1962 and later earned an Associate’s Degree. He lived a life full of passion and creativity, working as a race car driver and builder, a homebuilder, and a talented musician who played the drums. He also loved playing guitar, singing “You Are My Sunshine,” boating, drinking coffee, and entertaining others with his storytelling and remarkable voice impersonations. Above all, his greatest passion was race cars and attending NASCAR races.

Brian 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; his sister, Marlene Smith; his brother, Paul Updike; seven grandchildren, Gracie, Josie, Chel, Dustin, Anthony, Zachary, and Cody; and three great-grandchildren, Hayden, Hannah, and Jaxson.