NICHOLSON – John Edward Underwood, Sr., 88, passed away on Wednesday, September 10, 2014.
He was born on July 27, 1926, in Rossville, where he attended Central High School and became a member of McFarland Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Edward Underwood and Maude Davis Underwood; a son, Dennis Carr Underwood and daughter-in-law Judith; and brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Mydoline Underwood.
Mr. Underwood enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 15 and was assigned to sea duty on the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. John’s service in the Navy as an enlisted man and as a survivor of the Battle of Midway was recounted in Jeff Nesmith’s 1999 book, “No Higher Honor.” As an Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class, he was awarded the American Defense medal, the Asiatic Pacific (Twelve Stars) medal, and the American Campaign medal. and the World War II Victory medal.
After being honorably discharged on July 25, 1947, John made his home in the bay area near San Francisco, Calif., where he became a firefighter with the Ashland Fire Department. After several years, he transferred to the San Leandro Fire Department where he quickly rose to the rank of Captain. After retirement in 1983, he and Val built a home in Williston, Fla., where he was active in the Presbyterian Church and several other social organizations. After selling their small ranch in 2004, they decided to build their retirement home on the lake in Nicholson’s Staghorn Plantation.
John enjoyed traveling and music. Whether it was water skiing on Lake Berryessa, hunting in Alaska or the Baja, he loved outdoor activities. He was a member of the Coral Sea Veterans and enjoined their annual reunions that were held throughout the United States. John was a caring and reliable friend to many.
Survivors include his beloved Valda Bairos; a son, John E. Underwood, Jr. and his wife, Janice, Antioch, Calif.; two daughters, Diana Underwood O’Hara and her husband, Dennis, San Lorenzo, Calif., and Cheryl Underwood Carzoli and her husband, Michael, Livermore, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three nieces; and many cousins.
A private family interment will be held at Newnan Springs Cemetery in East Ridge, Tenn.
Funeral arrangements were in the care of Little Ward Funeral Home, Commerce.
To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.little-wardfuneralhome.com.