ANTIOCH, IL – Mr. Lawrence Evans Underwood, Jr., son of Lawrence Evans Underwood Sr. and Daisy Underwood (Anderson), was born on September 3rd,1945 at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

Lawrence attended Dunbar Vocational High School graduating in the class of 1964 as a stellar student athlete. Lawrence later went on to receive his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from DePaul University in 1971.

On September 1st, 1979, Lawrence married his loving wife Dr. Sandra Millon at the Second Baptist Church in Maywood, IL by Rev. Wallace W. Sykes.

As an entrepreneur Lawrence Jr.  opened a furniture store with a friend on the south side of Chicago called E & U Furniture. From there Lawrence began a long career at Wickes Furniture where he became a perennial sales leader for the company for nearly 40 years.

In addition to Lawrence's creativity and passion for home decor and furnishing, Lawrence was passionate about serving his customers and friends. Lawrence became well known in the Chicagoland area and served many athletes and families in home furnishing over a long career with Wickes and others. It really seemed like he sold furniture to everyone..!!!

Growing up Lawrence had an incredible love for "oldies but goodies" or better known as "dusties" throughout his whole life. This was the music of R&B artists like The Temptations, The Miracles, The Four Tops, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, etc. During 1962-1970, a radio DJ by the name of Herb Kent, "The Kool Gent," hosted a show on WVON radio called "The Dusties". Herb's well known voice was very deep and he sounded a lot like Lawrence's. Lawrence listened to the show faithfully and hosted  make-believe radio programs for his siblings while they were younger. Lawrence would use a pretend microphone, introduce, and talk about different R&B artists as their records played in the background. The family was certain that he would become a Disc Jockey because of his commanding and deep voice which sounded so much like Herb Kent .

Lawrence's sister Penny had a personal nickname for Lawrence – " Brother Dear ." She called him "Brother Dear" because of their special bond as the older brother. She would always call or write to him when she needed advice or comfort. Penny knew Lawrence was always looking out for her and giving her the special support she needed throughout her life.

While Lawrence was young everyone in the neighborhood and his siblings called him "Butch" until his High School years. This was the name the neighborhood boys he played ball with gave him – and it stuck. However, when Lawrence got ready for high school, he asked everyone to stop calling him "Butch" because he had outgrown that name and wanted to be known by his real name " Lawrence Jr." which sounded more grown up.

Lawrence and his older sister Delores had a very close relationship as they were born three years apart. Delores keenly remembers taking care of Lawrence when they were younger.

In addition to his loving wife, Dr. Sandra Millon Underwood, Lawrence is survived by his sons,

Lawrence Underwood, III and Michael Underwood; his daughter, Yvette (Charles) Palmer; his grandchildren, Sydney and Shelby Palmer; his sisters and brothers, Delores Hatch, Darlene Underwood, Shirley Underwood, Kenneth Underwood, and Alvin Underwood; his sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Cathy Jemison. Edward L. (Kiem) Millon, Jr., and Steven L. Millon; as well as many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues and friends.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his mother, Daisy Underwood, his father, Lawrence Underwood Sr., his brother, Darnell Underwood; his sister, Penny Underwood, and his sister-in-law, Brenda Montgomery.

Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, February 21, 2025, for a visitation from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. A service celebrating his life and homegoing will follow at 11:00 am with Rev. Dr. Demetris Crum officiating.

Lawrence officially passed away at Condell Advocate in Libertyville, IL on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 peacefully comforted by his loving wife Sandra Millon Underwood.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to "Ethnic Elders in Motion" c/o Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center (8600 Sheridan Road, Kenosha WI 53143)

Service Details

Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, FEBRUARY 21, 2025 , for a visitation from 9:00 am – 11:00 am.

The celebration of his life and Homegoing will follow at 11:00 am with Rev. Dr. Demetris Crum officiating.

For those wishing to view the service via livestream, you may click on this link at 11:00 am. https://youtube.com/live/gVgiZB3KYFQ?feature=share