William Thomas Underwood

Two days after his 24th wedding anniversary, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 William Thomas Underwood made the transition and crossed over from time to eternity. William was born to the late Menser Underwood, Sr. and Ora Lee Mims Underwood on December 26, 1950 in Clanton, Alabama.

He attended Chilton County Training High School and graduated in 1969. Following his older brother, Alphonsia, William joined the Army as a paratrooper and was honorably discharged in 1971. His older sister, Clarice registered him for college and two days after he returned home, he began attending Alabama A&M located in Huntsville, Alabama. William graduated in 1976 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration.

Upon graduation, Willam went to California to stay with his brother Alphonsia. Later, his Aunt Prevella called and asked that he come and live with her to help her with his Uncle Jeff in Dayton, Ohio. William worked for insurance companies and eventually was employed as a Contracting Officer at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Years later, William transferred to Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. where he retired after thirty-one (31) years of Federal Government service.

William was an avid sports fan: he loved to play, coach and watch sports. He played basketball and football, and received several trophies. He had a “ritual” especially during football season with his beloved San Francisco 49ers. After he came home from church, he’d cook breakfast, eat, and lay down for two hours (or more) until his football team started to play. He enjoyed keeping the statistics on the players and was often asked if he received compensation.

 William and Felicia were often invited to fund raisers, weddings, birthday parties, family reunions, and political events that involved dancing; he loved to dance. For years after he relocated to Maryland, William and his close friend Jonathan “Mickey” Nickens went to breakfast every Saturday morning. He also loved to travel including making all of the preparations, i.e. packing, called Felicia’s supervisor for permission for her to take leave without her knowing (true story), purchase the tickets, etc.

While growing up, William found the Lord at an early age and attended Morningstar Baptist Church. When he moved to Ohio, he joined Philips Temple CME where he was President of Usher Board #2 for years until he moved to Maryland.  After marrying Felicia, William attended Goshen United Methodist Church as a faithful member. He participated in fund raisers, Men’s Day programs, Veterans Programs, accompanied his wife on Sick and Shut-In visitations and other activities at the church.

He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory his devoted wife, Felicia Elder; his daughter, Lauren Underwood; brothers Alphonsia (Duyen) and Menser, Jr. (Katina); sister Ola Jean Gordon (Marvin); sister-in-law Karen Underwood (Jesse deceased); god daughters Brooke Fields and Ashley Williams, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.  His brothers Jesse James Underwood, Eddie Louis Underwood (Earlean) and sister Clarice Underwood Brown (Norman) all predeceased him. Williams’ Registered Nurse, Mrs. Rossy and his Caretaker/Aide, Mr. Amadu provided excellent care.