Roy L. Underwood, 96, was born on July 29, 1928, in Gordon County, GA. He left his time on earth on April 4, 2025, where he then entered the gates of Heaven. Roy gave his life to Jesus when he was 13 years old and has stated many times as long as he was alive he was going to live but he also wasn’t afraid to die because he had assurance that was not the end rather the beginning of eternal life.
He was married on April 3, 1959, to Willene Sims Underwood and they spent over 55 years together. Roy retired from General Electric in Rome, GA. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. He was blessed with friends from employment and richly blessed by his Air Force brothers and their families. Roy and Willene became a part of the Renaissance Marquis Senior Living family in 2014 where he made many friends from residents and staff. Roy was a member of Fellowship Church, Rome, GA and appreciated the visits from their home-bound ministry.
He is survived by his children, Pamela Burnett (Jim) of Rock Spring, GA and Beth Lumpkin (Ken) of Rome, GA, He had 5 grandchildren, Jacob (Susan) Burnett of Rock Spring, GA, Scott (Janel) of Chickamauga, GA, Sgt. Patrik (Yosy) of El Paso Texas where he is serving in the US Army, Maria Burnett of Rock Spring and Rachel (Levi) White of Rome, GA. He was also the proud great grandfather of 10. He leaves behind his sister Rebecca (Ike) of Knoxville, Tennessee, sister-in-law, Jean Underwood of Calhoun, GA and brother-in-law, Gordon Beard of Tallahassee, Floria. Also he was the proud uncle of many nieces and nephews. Roy was all about family with visits, phone calls and family reunions. He is also survived by very special friends Jane Yates and Frank Pullen of Rome.
Roy not only had a love for family and friends, but he also loved his Atlanta Braves baseball, UGA football, Georgia Mountain Music Club, earlier in life he enjoyed gardening, reading, traveling, card playing, and storytelling. He loved warm sunny days, spring flowers, beach tripping, trips to the mountains, long country rides, the laughter of children and all God’s creation.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Marietta Underwood, his wife, Willene, his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Sara Underwood, sister Joan Beard, brother, Ted Underwood as well as other dear family members.
A service to honor his well-spent life will be held at Henderson Funeral Home, South Chapel, 3002 Maple Road, Rome, GA on Friday, April 11. There will be a brief viewing from 12:30-1:00 p.m. for anyone who would like behind closed doors for your private moment. Visitation for family and friends will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. and the service will be at 2:00 p.m. The Rome American Legion Honor Guard will present military honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fellowship Church Building Fund, 314 Burnett Ferry Rd, Rome GA 30165 in Roy Underwood’s honor.
Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel, is honored to serve the family of Roy L. Underwood.
