William McKinley Underwood

William McKinley Underwood, age 86 of Scottsboro, passed away on December 5, 2025. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from the Scottsboro Funeral Home Chapel. Bro. Randy Brown officiated. Interment followed in the Stoney Point Cemetery.
Mr. Underwood is survived by his wife, Rachel L. Underwood; daughters, Jennifer (Joey) Johnson, Kim (Paul) Border; sons, Brian (Lisa) Underwood, Eric (Leslie) Underwood; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters, Norma Hobson, Mary Johnson, Janet Ellett, Alice Methvin, Nancy Darby; brother, James Underwood; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William M. and Aurelia Underwood; and sister, Geneva Woods.
Born February 4th, 1939 in Florence, he was the son of William McKinley Underwood and Aurelia Underwood, and the beloved brother of James Underwood, Nancy Darby, Janet Ellet, Geneva Woods, Mary Johnson, Alice Methvin, and Norma Hobson. He grew up in a close-knit family rooted in faith, hard work, and love, values he carried throughout his life.  He was a member of Broad Street Church of Christ where he served as a deacon for years.
A graduate of Mars Hill Bible School, he began his career with Union Carbide before moving to Champion Paper Mill and later Mead Container/WestRock, where he retired after a long and dedicated career. He was a man known for his deep knowledge, steady leadership, and unwavering work ethic — qualities that earned him the respect and admiration of everyone he worked alongside.
At home, he was the rock of his family. A loving grandfather to fourteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, he found his greatest joy in watching his family grow. He had a gift for fixing anything — whether it was a broken appliance or a problem no one else could solve — and he offered that same quiet dependability to everyone he loved.
His life was filled with simple joys, deep love, and the kind of wisdom that can only come from a life well lived.