William Puckett “Bill” Underwood, 76, passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024 after battling multiple health issues. He was born on December 26, 1947, in Montezuma, GA to Robert and Ruth ‘Nell’ (Puckett) Underwood. He graduated from Macon County High School and then attended Berry College where he excelled at running track and set multiple school records, while earning the nickname ‘Foot’. Bill’s college career was interrupted for a year when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War effort. After graduating from Berry College, Bill remained in Rome, GA enjoying life with his friends. He worked several different journeyman jobs including at Owen’s Hardware and a local radio station, where he experienced an infamous incident wherein he accidentally ingested LSD while on air. In 1982, Bill found his life’s work in the Department of Family and Children Services, serving countless families in their times of need over his 25-year career as a social worker. Bill also continued his service to the United States military, serving 13 years in the Marine Corps Reserve and another 9 years in the Georgia Army National Guard, before retiring as a Sergeant Frist Class and Abrams battle tank commander.
Bill married the love of his life, Della Juanita Underwood in September 1979 and instantly became a stepfather and dad to her two sons, Paul and Matthew. A few years later, Bill and Juanita welcomed their only daughter, Rachel. Later, one of Bill’s greatest joys in life was being a grandfather to his twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bill lived his life as an act of service to his family and as a dutiful husband, father, and grandfather; to his church as a deacon; to his country as a dedicated Marine and soldier; to his community as a compassionate social worker; and to his Lord as a diligent Christian. Bill had a few hobbies outside his service to others. He was a fan of Georgia Tech football, the Atlanta Falcons, and the Atlanta Braves, all of which led to a fair amount of disappointment in his lifetime.
Bill is survived by his wife of 45 years, Juanita Underwood, Ponte Vedra, FL; son, Matthew (Cate) Underwood, Ponte Vedra, FL; daughter, Rachel (Jeremy) Haygood, Rome, Ga; son, Paul House, Rome, GA; brother, Robert ‘Mike’ Underwood, Ponte Vedra, FL; as well as twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom adored him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Nell; his twin sister, Barbara; and his brother, Joe.
In keeping with his wishes, Bill will be cremated and a memorial gathering for friends and family will be held at Salmon Funeral Home, 2516 New Calhoun Hwy NE, Rome, GA 30161 on December 28, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association https://diabetes.org/ways-to-give/memorial-gift
