John E. Underwood

FRANKLIN—John E. Underwood, 72, died Aug. 12, 2010, at Sentara Obici Hospital surrounded by his family.
John was born Jan. 10, 1938, in Southampton County to Susie Baugham and John Ivey Underwood.
John was a graduate of Christopher Newport University and retired from Union Camp after more than 30 years of service.
He was a longtime member of Franklin Baptist Church, serving as a Sunday school teacher and deacon.
John was also a proud member of the Franklin Jaycees, Franklin Masonic Lodge No. 151 AF&AM and Hunterdale Ruritan Club.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Elizabeth Underwood.
Survivors include daughters Ann Smith of Charlottesville and Amy Simms and her husband, Lance, of Franklin; beloved grandsons Brendan and Bryce Simms and Nathan Smith; sister Barbara Holloman and her husband, E. L., of Ahoskie, N.C.; brother-in-law James Nelson Eller Jr. and his wife, Darla, of Savannah, Ga.; special family friend Nancy Phillips of Franklin; nephews Scott Eller and his family of Charlotte, N.C., and Wade Eller and his family of Centreville; and many cousins and other extended family.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, at Franklin Baptist Church with the Rev. Sharon James officiating. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Wright Funeral Home and suggests in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Franklin Baptist Church, 208 N. High St., Franklin, Va., 23851.