June. 29, 1935 – Dec. 3, 2025
Donald Otis Underwood, 90, of Foley, passed away on Dec. 3, 2025. He was born on Jun. 29, 1935, to Henry Leslie Underwood and Jessie Marie Mixon Underwood.
Donald proudly served in the United States Air Force for four years and went on to build a life full of hard work, love, and service to his community. He spent the early 1960s working for Chemstrand before owning and operating a Standard Oil Station from 1967 to 1969. In 1970, he started Underwood Farms, a venture that became his passion. Donald was later joined by his son Neal, who became his partner and worked alongside him to continue the legacy he started.
His service extended beyond work as he was an active member of Alfa, the American Legion, the Elks Club, and served on the board of United Bank and the Soybean Check-Off Association. He and his wife also started the "100 Club" as a way to bring their friends together-something he enjoyed greatly.
Donald never met a stranger. He enjoyed spending time with his friends at Summerdale GoldKist and loved to share stories about his travels and his days in the military. He was known for his tight hugs, strong will, resilience, and his passion for life.
Donald married the love of his life, Evelyn Vonceil Roberts Underwood, in 1954. Together, they shared nearly 71 years of marriage, traveling the world, creating memories, and raising three beautiful children who Donald often said were the best crop he ever grew.
He is survived by his children Neal (Becky), Lisa (Dwight), and Trudy (Stephen), his beloved grandchildren Shellie Kichler (Nathan), Kristin Underwood, Chandi Black (Martin), Hayden Heese, Barclay Chavous (Shauna), Emily Robertson, and Haley Underwood, as well as great-grandchildren McCoy and Baylor Kichler, Jackson Black, and Callaghan Chavous.
He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Jessie, his siblings Leslie Underwood, Vivian (Bebe) Childre, Elsie Kirkland, Iris Hamner, Douglas (Doug) Underwood, and Oliver (Ollie) Underwood, and his beloved wife Vonceil Underwood.
A service to honor Donald's life will be held on Dec. 8, 2025, at Pine Rest Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Foley. The family will receive visitors from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with a funeral service at 11:00 a.m., and a graveside service to follow.
