1921
2015
Gerald Underwood, 93, of Palm Bay, Florida passed away on March 31, 2015.
He was born in Piggott, Arkansas to Jimmy and Ethel (Cox) Underwood and was the fourth of ten children. He married Janet Still of Detroit, Michigan in 1950.
He attended Piggott schools, played on the Mohawk football team and graduated in the class of 1940. This class was known as the "brothers and sisters class". After graduation, he enlisted in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and was stationed at Winona, Minnesota. Very soon, World War II started and Mr. Underwood joined the U. S. Navy and served from 1942 until the war ended in 1945. He served on the Destroyer, USS John D. Ford whose mission was to seek out enemy submarines. He reached the rank of Carpenter's 2nd mate. Mr. Underwood was one of five Underwood brothers that served in the armed services during this war time period.
After being discharged from the Navy, he (along with many of his Arkansas buddies) migrated to the Detroit, Michigan area seeking jobs. Mr. Underwood began work for the New York Central Railroad in the late 40's and spent his working career with New York Central and their successors in the Detroit area.
After retirement, he and his wife, Janet moved to Palm Bay where they have resided since 1980. Mr. Underwood was an outdoor person, an avid golfer, possessed a great sense of humor, and enjoyed being around people and socializing with veterans. He was a member of VFW Post 4506, and American Legion Post 117 in Palm Bay.
Mr. Underwood was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Mary Schnaak; his brothers Jimmy Gene Underwood, Etheridge Underwood, Leon Underwood, and Charles Underwood. He is survived by his wife of 65 Years, Janet of Palm Bay; sisters Jan Lea Mann of Piggott, Arkansas, Betty Cash of Panama City Beach, Florida and Brothers Herschel Underwood of Chesterfield Township, Michigan and Larry Underwood of Derby, Kansas.
Graveside services will be held Saturday April 4, 2015 at Fountainhead Memorial Park 7359 Babcock Street SE Palm Bay, FL 32909 beginning at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers please send all donations to Disable American Veterans (D.A.V.)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
April 3, 2015
Teresa Morris
Uncle Gerald, you will be missed.
I love you
April 3, 2015
Nancy Holder
Our hearts grieve at the loss of Uncle Gerald. My memories of him are in Piggott, of course, during our July 4th family celebrations throughout my childhood There was laughter and lots of good times. Aunt Jenny, you are in our prayers during this sad time.
April 3, 2015
Karen Miceli
Always a smile and that wonderful sense of humor, I love you Uncle Gerald ! You will always be in my heart.
April 1, 2015
Kathy Dwyer
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more