William Underwood passed away on December 10, 2021, at Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital – Franklin Campus.

Affectionately known as "Bill," he was born in Colp, Illinois, on November 30, 1929, the youngest son of Alonia W. and Lilly M. (nee: McKinney) Underwood. On October 25, 1969, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Christina ("Tina") Ramirez.

Bill had a talent for building and fixing things, so it was no surprise that he cultivated a career in construction, carpentry, and home improvement. He was also a creative entrepreneur, often employing relatives to teach them valuable skills.

Bill cherished his family and friends, and he loved including others in his favorite activities. For example, Bill relished spending time outdoors, especially when he could fish and introduce loved ones to its quiet joys. He enjoyed showing family and friends how to play his favorite games, usually doing so with jazz streaming in the background. And when he moved into an assisted living facility, Bill was often found socializing with other residents and participating in group activities.

Of the utmost importance to Bill was his relationship with Jehovah God. On August 15, 1943, he was baptized into the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, where he enthusiastically served Jehovah by pioneering and, in his younger years, preparing meals during district assemblies. And Bill always valued nurturing relationships with other brothers and sisters in the congregation.

Those holding Bill's memory in their hearts include his daughters Sylvia Hornaday (John), Marlene Underwood (Sean Olivier), and Janyne Zigler (Gregory Mitchell); his grandchildren MaShella Robinson (Daniel), John Hornaday (Angela), Jo'Juan Hornaday (Giselle), Le'Ron Hornaday, Kortney Parks, Jada Parks, Caleb Parks, Dominique Banks, and Maliyah Banks; his brother Delbert Underwood (widower of Helen); his nephew George Henry Jr. (Jane) and niece Wanakee Quarles (Earl); his honorary son and daughters Mark and Sarah Franklin and Lisa Porter; helpers Melissa Hernández and Fatima Alvárez; 19 great-grandchildren, 20 great-great grandchildren, and a host of other nephews, nieces, in-laws, and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife; his daughter Danielle Banks (Mark); his parents; his siblings Baldous Underwood, Pacola Watkins, Lillonia Henry, Quinola Lewis, Norman Underwood, and Faynetta Turley; his nephews Frederick ("Sonny") Williamson, Verona Henry, Delbert Underwood Jr., Steven Underwood, and Kenneth Autry Sr.; and his nieces Gloria Rhodes and Lillie Martin.

No visitation is planned. A virtual memorial service streamed by the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses will take place on December 26, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time (CT).