Julian Ray Underwood of Charlotte died peacefully October 7, 2017 at The Carriage Club. He was born February 5, 1922 in Wesley Chapel to Walter H. and Lucinda Crump Underwood. He married the late Fannie Lee Cartner of Kannapolis. Julian is survived by his sons Eric (Peggy) of Whiteville, NC, Jim (Mavis) of Matthews, NC; grandchildren Sandy (Tom) Aiosa, Stephanie (Adam) Hathaway, Matthew (Christian); and great grandchildren Madeline Aiosa, Hadley and Brenley Hathaway, Julianna and Owen Underwood. Julian is preceded in death by sisters Carrie Jenkins, Flossie Braswell, Essie Little and brothers Grady and Earl Underwood.
Upon graduating valedictorian from Wesley Chapel High School he served in the Army.
He was an active member of First Baptist Church serving as Deacon from 1962-1987.
Julian was employed by Bank of America as a teller and helped open the first bank branch in North Carolina. He held numerous positions in the bank until he retired after 41 years as Vice President.
Since retiring, Julian remained very active as President of the Shannon Park Neighborhood Association. From his service a neighborhood park was dedicated in his name. Julian served on several city and county committees.
Julian was most proud of his volunteer work at Briarwood Elementary School, where every day for 25 years he greeted each child at the door with a cheerful “Good Morning”, a hug and encouragement to work hard. Through his devotion to education he created a scholarship given to a 5th grade boy and girl every year.
Julian received numerous awards for his volunteer work, Lifetime membership in the PTA, The Dr. Monroe T. Gilmour Award for volunteer work, the WSOC Focus Nine Who Care Award, the Presidents Volunteer Service Award for commitment to service by President Obama. The one of which he was most proud was when Governor Easley awarded him “The Order of the Longleaf Pine”, the highest civilian honor which the state of North Carolina can bestow. The award honored his exceptional and dedicated service to education at Briarwood Elementary.
A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, October 11 at First Baptist Church Charlotte, 301 S Davidson Street at 2pm. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Interment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park.
Memorials can be made to The Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.
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