Cover photo for William Puckett Underwood's Obituary
William Puckett Underwood Profile Photo
1947 Bill 2024

William Puckett Underwood

December 26, 1947 — December 14, 2024

Ponte Verda

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. An amateur thespian, Bill was very proud of his roles participating in an number of productions at Rome Little Theatre. After graduating from Berry College, Bill remained in Rome, GA. He worked several different journeyman jobs including at Owen’s Hardware and a local radio station, where he experienced an infamous incident accidentally ingesting 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 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He adopted 2 of his grandchildren, Samantha and Andrew, at age 68. Bill dearly loved all of his children and grandchildren. 

Bill lived his life as an act of service; to his family 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 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 

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Puckett Underwood, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, December 28, 2024

4:00 - 6:00 pm (Eastern time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 628

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree