In Memory of

William

Irwin

Underwood

Obituary for William Irwin Underwood

"Sweet 'Ole Bill" was born near Huntsville, AL on 15 April 1935, and grew up in nearby Russellville before eventually moving to Chicago, where he met his first wife, Barbara (while bowling) and with whom he had four children. He left this life peacefully on 8 May 2013 from cardio-pulmonary complications while hospitalized in Pensacola, FL to join his eight brothers and sisters. He recently spent his 78th and final birthday with his daughter Janet and dear friends Vicki Smith and Bob Posey.
He is remembered as a loving and treasured father to his surviving children William J. "Bill" Underwood, (California); Susan Aniol and Karen Underwood, (Texas); Janet Underwood, and her husband Edward Broilo (Arizona).
Bill was an amazing "G-Pa" to granddaughters Danielle & Tiffany Underwood-Broilo, and grandson Anthony Aniol & family. Cherished brother of Janice Rotto & family; beloved uncle of Ron and Bertha Freeman & family; numerous surviving nieces and nephews; he was an unforgettable friend to Karen Kirby.
Never one to let the grass grow under his feet, he kept as active as possible with the things he loved, a few of which were golf and pool, with past bowling trophies and fishing trips. He especially liked spending time with his wonderful family of friends at the Pensacola American Legion Post 340, the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 557 and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. He loved road trips and never missed his morning coffee and newspaper crossword puzzle.
Bill served his country honorably during the mid-1950s as a mechanic in the U.S. Army's 552nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Missile Battalion, stationed in Germany. On his return to the States, he worked as a machinist and eventually became a senior foreman in the Detroit automotive industry, after which he retired to Florida to pursue his golf game, and other hobbies.
He was a best friend to all, and we wish him well in his infinite journey.
Trahan Family Funeral Home, 419 Yoakum Court, is in charge of arrangements.
A memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday the 14th day of May at 6:30 p.m.