Larry L. Underwood

Larry Lionel Underwood, resident of Pensacola, Florida, and Daphne, Alabama, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024, after a brief stay at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope Alabama. He won the game at 90 years old. With the amazing service of Southern Care Hospice, he was able to pass peacefully into the night. His beloved wife, Janice, passed away on March 9, 2024, at their home in Daphne, AL. They were married 38 years and were each other’s person. Visible in photos, with his arms around her, dad beams like he won the lottery every time. Daddy grew up in Foley, AL and graduated in 1952 from Foley High School where he was captain of the football team in 1951. How about those leather helmets and no pads! He was also the fastest runner on the team but Foley High didn’t have a Track and Field program until after he graduated. I guess that’s why he loved watching the Summer Olympics so much. He retired from Jack Lee Buick after many years of service as Parts Manager and was well respected for his work ethic and gentle manner. Dad and Janice actually met there when she was a bookkeeper. Later she worked for Fairfield Dental in Pensacola as their accountant and then retired to enjoy the home place in Beulah. Retirement for dad was mostly taking care of the large lawn and pond in Pensacola. He worked hard trying to keep the yard immaculate while Janice maintained the household. Janice especially relished her Fridays with her daughter, Selena, shopping, lunch, and the hairdresser. A lover of coin collecting, dad would research and study them for their historic and artistic value. He also made time to exercise with weights well into his 80s. In fact, he was still working out with bands at 90 and keeping track of the reps. We have the notebook to prove it. He ritually played the lottery with his son, Kyle. It was like clockwork every Sunday for Kyle to call dad and discuss wins and losses. I wish he had won a Jackpot. On their back porch, both loved reading along with listening to Country and Gospel music. Dad especially liked anything with Elvis Presley. He really took a lot of joy in the little things too, like finding a buckeye and treasuring it for years. I think I can honestly say he was the most selfless man I have ever known. “Born to serve” like his sweet momma. Alabama football may have been his ultimate passion. Not only the game, but having family hollering, cheering, crying, laughing, and just spending time together while Janice kept the food coming. One daughter is an Auburn fan and the other LSU, but we always pull for Bama - unless we are playing them. True to form, Dad was always a gracious winner when Alabama won.…ROLL TIDE…Peace and comfort Daddy and Janice. He is survived by siblings: Lorna Mountz Lyle Underwood Launa Jean Anderson & husband Edsel Children: Daughter, Sherry Bullock & husband Larry USN Retired Son, Kyle & wife Gilda Daughter, Lauren Sanders Stepdaughter, Selena Vaughn & husband Jim Grandchildren: Neil Nacchio & wife Jennifer Alexis Phaup & husband Michael USN Bonus grandson, Clay Hagendorfer Emily Sanders Adam Sanders & wife Kara Kody Willis & wife Ashley Kolton Willis Kayla Grammas & husband Zach 11 Great grandchildren Such a beautiful legacy… He was preceded in death by his wife Janice Sawyer Daughter, Rhonda Willis Brothers, Loyal Glen & Lowell Thomas Parents, John Harvey & Alice English A memorial service will be held at Pine Rest Funeral Home Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 2:30 PM

Larry L. Underwood

March 26, 1934 - May 24, 2024