Jimmie Ray Underwood

COLUMBIA - Mr. Jimmie Ray Underwood, 69, of Columbia, South Carolina, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at his residence. Born on August 18, 1952, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, he was the second-born son of the late George Underwood, Sr., and Ida Vera Smith Underwood. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Karl-Hainz Habermann, Germany. After attending schools in his hometown of Hazlehurst, he was drafted into military service, entering the United States Army on May 11, 1972. He received the following medals during his 20 years of honorably servicing our country: 2 Bronze Service Stars, the Kuwait Liberation Award, a South Marksman Expert Badge, and a Mechanic’s badge.

After serving several overseas tours, he served time in Germany, where he met his beloved wife, Barbara. After serving in Operation Desert Storm, he retired from his military service on July 30, 1992. After his active military service, he attended Midlands Technical College in Columbia, South Carolina. Mr. Underwood later worked for the United States Postal Service for 20 years.

Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted wife of nearly 44 years, Barbara Dimberger Underwood, Columbia, SC; son, Michael D. Underwood, Columbia SC; eight brothers, George E. Underwood, Jr., Hazlehurst, MS, Jerry L. Underwood, Hazlehurst, MS, James Clifton Underwood, Hazlehurst, MS (Linda), Harry B. Underwood, Hazlehurst, MS, Fred E. Underwood, Hazlehurst MS (Gwen), Samuel E. Underwood, Hazlehurst, MS (Betty Ann), Johnnie Carl Underwood, Hazlehurst MS (Sandra), and Dan Underwood, Galloway, OH (Marsha). Additional survivors include his sister-in-law, Traudlinde Habermann, Germany; brother-in-law, Joseph Dimberger, Germany (Karen); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

From his wife Barbara are the following words:

Thank you, Jimmie for the greatest years of married life that a woman could ever wish or hope for. You were, indeed, the love of my life. You will always be in my heart. I love you from the bottom of my heart. You will be forever missed!