John H. Underwood Sr.

Age 89. Departed for Heaven from his bed in his home on April 12, 2011 at 2:01 in the afternoon, “as requested.” Cared for by his children, Debbie and Hospice of the Comforter until his departure.

“Harold” to his relatives and Georgia friends and “John” to his abundance of friends elsewhere, was a precious father, friend and mentor. He was a loving husband to Carolyn for the 45 years of their marriage and that love never wavered after her passing in 1996.

Harold grew up on the Underwood farm in Potterville, Georgia. He was one of 11 siblings plus two cousins. His stories of farm life and the antics of a life filled with the freedom to work hard and play hard kept everyone laughing at every gathering. He spent his high school years at Berry School in Rome, Ga. (Now Berry College) and always told wonderful stories of Miss Martha Berry and the wonderful things he experienced there. His family and his training instilled a remarkable work ethic that he also passed on to his own children and grandchildren.

After completing his schooling, he continued to work with his father Sikes Underwood in the family business, Sikes Super Store, in Thomaston and Potterville, GA. The business skills he learned there served him well as he broke into new territory after moving to Florida. He worked for Donnell Co., later opened his own Universal School Supplies, and prior to retirement opened a retail store in Pine Hills called Sikes Stationery. Among friends in Florida he was known for selling school and office supplies throughout the state and as far west as Texas. If you went to school in Florida in the 60’s and 70’s, you probably purchased something he placed into your local store!

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the US entrance into World War II, he joined the US Navy. He served in the Pacific Theater until his honorable discharge in 1945. His stories of the adventures in serving our country always inspired others. When on leave in New York he enjoyed the big bands at the Astor Hotel and even danced with Betty Grable. He was quick to tell others that if they did not appreciate America, he would be happy to buy them a one-way ticket to anywhere else in the world. He was a firm believer in protecting the homeland and keeping the strife “on the other side of the pond.”

When he returned home after completing his service in the Navy, he had thoughts of re-enlisting. That career path changed when he went to First Baptist Church in Thomaston and saw in the choir “the most beautiful girl in the world.” After being introduced to her that Sunday afternoon, all thoughts of leaving Thomaston and the girl he would eventually marry were over. Harold Underwood and Carolyn Eidson were married on September 2, 1950 at the First Baptist Church in Thomaston. They had four children, all born in Georgia. He lived and worked in Thomaston until leaving for Florida in 1958.

The beauty of Central Florida is what took Harold and Carolyn to Orlando. On their honeymoon to Daytona Beach in 1950, they found themselves in the midst of a terrible storm so they headed west, to the interior of the state. (The storm turned out to be Hurricane Easy, which blew in from Tampa) He recalled that when they reached Orlando they thought they had reached Heaven. He knew he would return one day. In 1958 they packed up the children and headed south for a new adventure, settling in Orlando, though they never left their Georgia roots far behind. The children remember many many road trips up I-75 North throughout their young lives.

Settling in Central Florida brought a different life and culture than what he had grown up with. Though he kept a garden for many years, it was never a farm and his children loved going back to the farm where he grew up. He did keep a beautiful yard though and worked to have natural beauty that was nearly as beautiful as “his Carolyn.” He worked in the yard until the day she died. He was known as a businessman for all of his life and only after years in retirement did his children get him to wear anything but a stiffly starched white shirt. Some favorite memories were of daddy on his riding mower, dressed in his white shirt and wing tipped shoes, and a straw hat! He loved to fish and finally bought a home on a lake so that he could fish every afternoon. When he finally caught his trophy bass in 1971, he had it mounted and hung over his fireplace. After he had caught the ‘big one”…his trophy fish…..he hung up his rod.

In the first years after Carolyn’s passing, he kept himself busy with travel, grandchildren, church activities and Gospel music concerts (particularly The Gaithers.) John and Carolyn were members of First Baptist Church of Orlando where they served until he was homebound. Even when homebound and bedridden, he continued to enjoy his Gaither videos and cds as well as his big band music.

John Harold Underwood committed his life to Christ as a young man and kept that commitment throughout his life. When he moved to Orlando with a wife and four young children and $20 in his pocket, he asked God to provide so that he could in turn help others. And he indeed did just that throughout his lifetime.

He is survived by his four children Judi Tome (Roger), Kay Griffin (Don), Emily Cumbee (Jim) and John Jr (Cindy). His 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren were the joys of his life. (Kristin/Jim, Karin, Daniel, Sam, Mary, Matthew, Jessica and Jacob & Emily)

His surviving siblings are: Edna Jones, Amie Jean DiLeonardo, Nellie Taunton and Sara Pennington. *His sister-in-law Irene Underwood, a grand observer of the antics of Harold and Ralph, co-patriots in humor, also survives him.

Those who have preceded him in death are his beloved wife Carolyn, (Brothers) Millard, Fred, James and Ralph Underwood and (Sisters) Winnie Windham and Betty Ann Bone.

John, Harold, Uncle Harold, Daddy, Pop, Granpa, Granddaddy, friend…you meant so much to so many. You made our lives richer by knowing you. You loved us, you taught us, you gave of yourself, and you showed us Christ. We know that you would have us all meet you in eternity, in the presence of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We know that Heaven has become very lively with your arrival and that you are whole again, well, and would not come back if you could. You lived well, loved well, and left us a great legacy. You will be missed.

•Thank you to all who made his last days on earth such memorable ones!

In Lieu of flowers, please consider

The Gideons – www.Gideons.org -- to place the Holy Bible in places of great need.

Hospice of the Comforter – www.HospiceoftheComforter.org --for the compassionate care they provide.