02/03/2026
George Dillard Underwood of Eden, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, at the age of 101.
A funeral service will be held at 2:30 pm on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Boone & Cooke Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Dan View Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 until 2:30 pm before the service at the funeral home.
George was born at home on Chumney Loop Road in Draper, North Carolina, on September 12, 1924, to Cicero W. Underwood and Molly Dyer Stratton Underwood.
At just 11 years old, George faced the loss of his father and began working tirelessly in the to***co fields to help support his family. That strong work ethic defined his life. He spent 31 years with Fieldcrest Mills before joining American To***co in 1973, where he worked until his retirement in 1989. He was a member of Immanuel Friends Church and thoroughly enjoyed his visits to The Barn.
George married the love of his life, Eva Coleman, with whom he shared many devoted years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Coleman Underwood; his beloved son George Dillard Underwood Jr; his daughter, Gloria Hyler; his son-in-law, Smokey Leroy Hyler; and his great-grandson, Joshua. George was the last of the Underwood siblings still living, having been preceded in death by his brothers: Jesse, Joe, Claude, Cicero, Sam, Frank, Oscar, Billy, and James, “Cub”; and his sisters: Mollie, Ruby, Mary Lily, Elizabeth, “Lib,” and Sunshine.
He is survived by his son, Cicero “Tommy” Underwood (Vicki); three grandchildren, Jennifer Shelton (Neil), Brooke Willis, and Tommy Underwood (Whitney); seven great-grandchildren, Tyler, Taylor (Katie), Larissa, Jaylan, Kaylee, Payson, and Elijah; and one great-great-grandchild, Clay; and many nieces and nephews.
A man of many talents and passions, George had a lifelong love of sports, especially baseball. A loyal Boston Red Sox fan, he played both baseball and basketball in his younger years and later enjoyed golf. Music and woodworking were also delights he treasured. He played guitar with the Tri-City Play Boys in the 1940s and went on to form his own group, the Carolina Roustabouts, in the 1970s.
George will be remembered for his perseverance, his deep love of family, and the joy he found in life’s simple pleasures. He was a devoted father and a loving grandfather whose presence was a source of comfort, guidance, and strength. George took great pride in his family and found his greatest happiness in time spent with them- whether sharing stories, laughter, or simply being together. His steady presence, gentle spirit, and enduring love will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who were blessed to know him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Immanuel Friends Church, 502 South Fieldcrest Road, Eden, NC 27288
