Herbert Andrew Underwood was born September 14, 1935, in Cordova, Alabama and went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 12, 2026.
He graduated from Cordova High School in 1953, where he excelled in many sports, but loved football. He met Sue, his future wife, while they were seniors in high school.
After completing his freshman year in college at Florence State Teachers College, he married the love of his life, Sue Hamner, in Pasadena, Texas, on August 17, 1954. They celebrated 72 years of marriage in August of this year.
Herb continued his education at the University of Houston and graduated with honors with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 1962. He spent two years in the U.S. Army 82nd Engineering Battalion and served in Missouri and Wisconsin, He was always grateful for the lessons of discipline, dedication and hard work he learned while serving.
During their years in Texas, they also welcomed the birth of their two children, Lee and Toni.
Herb built a distinguished career in the printing and corrugated packaging industry, an industry in which his integrity and leadership would leave a lasting mark. His career took the family from Houston to Kingston, Jamaica, to Dallas and eventually to Huntsville, Alabama.
In 1978, Herbert took a leap of faith and pursued his entrepreneurial dream by founding Mid-South Packaging, Inc., in Cullman, Alabama. Herb retired in 1997 at the age of 62, closing a chapter of hard work, innovation, and leadership.
Yet as successful as Herb was in business, his greatest accomplishments were never measured in dollars or professional achievements. His greatest treasures were his faith in Jesus Christ, his beloved wife Sue, his family, and the people God placed in his life. He was a longtime member of the Central Church of Christ, where he faithfully served in numerous capacities, including as an Elder. He considered this an honor and a privilege. He cherished his brothers and sisters in Christ.
One of Herb’s special passions was His Way Recovery for Men, where he served on the Board of Directors and which he supported in any way he could. He believed deeply in the ministry’s mission of restoring lives through the power of Jesus Christ. Before this, he also served on the Board of Directors for Agape, Inc., a ministry of helping children find forever homes.
Of course, anyone who knew Herb knew that there was another love in his life: golf. After retiring, Herb could be found at the Valley Hills Country Club almost five days a week. But golf was more than a game for him. He enjoyed the friendships, laughter, and a little friendly competition.
Herb was a man of conviction, loyalty, and deep faith. He loved his family wholeheartedly and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a great blessing to him. He valued other people and lived with a steadfast belief in God’s grace and goodness.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Gaytha Underwood, his brother-in-law Nelson Payne, and his precious great-grandson Charlie Clay.
He is survived by his wife, Sue Hamner Underwood; his children, Arthur Lee Underwood (Rhonda) and Toni U. Kulpinski (Mark); his sister, Perry Lynn Payne; his grandchildren Andrew Lee Underwood (Stephanie), Dr. Victoria Sue Clay (Caleb), Rayna Lanier Gonzales (Marusicio) Julia Lanier Stephens (Sean); and his great-grandchildren, Reese Luu Underwood, James Lee Underwood, Carter Lee Clay, Catherine Rose Clay, and the newest addition, Levi Jefferson Stephens. And his children in Christ, Tom and Selwyn Reynolds.
Above all else, Herb’s greatest desire was that every member of his family, every person he encountered would come to know the saving love, grace, and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
He understood that the true measure of a man’s life is not what he accumulates, but what he leaves in the hearts of those he loves.
He leaves behind a devoted wife, a grateful family, cherished friendships, lives touched through his generosity and service, and a testimony of faith that will continue to speak for generations. The greatest legacy that he leaves behind is love, love for his Savior, love for his family and love for others.
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
1st Corinthians 13:13
