Robert (Bob) Thomas Underwood, 74, died suddenly on May 20, 2018. He was born on August 10, 1943 in Jacksonville. Bob is survived by his two beautiful daughters Melissa Underwood Crawford of Tallahassee and Mary Laurel Underwood of Jacksonville. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Susan Margaret Underwood, and his beloved mother, Estelle Louise Underwood.
Bob, a lifelong resident of Jacksonville, graduated from Paxon High School in 1961. He was an avid lover of History and English. He graduated from the University of North Florida in 1974 with a Bachelors of Arts in Education. Upon graduation from high school, he worked as a Recreation Director for the City of Jacksonville, where he was responsible for several playgrounds over the course of his career. He worked his way up, becoming an Athletics Coordinator and finally Director of a community center for Jacksonville. His passion was working with the youth of Jacksonville. He recently recalled to a friend that it was the greatest job he ever held. Upon the birth of his first daughter, and receiving his college degree, he went to work for State Farm Insurance as an underwriter. He retired in 1999. Not ready to fully retire, he returned to work for the City of Jacksonville Tax Collector’s Office as a Deputy Field Inspector, where he ended his career. He enjoyed a good cigar with friends at Tobacco Cove and working his daily cross word puzzle. Bob was a Toastmaster and a charter member of The Arlington Chapter of the Shriner’s Club from 1976 - present. He was a member of Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church. He spoke fondly of friendships in his Sunday school class, and of time spent with the men of the church athletic program.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 24 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel. A funeral service will be Friday, May 25, at noon at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, 4001 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Hendricks Avenue Community Athletics Association, 4001 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207.
Please Sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com
HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family
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