Rev. Lawrence C. Underwood 1945-2024

He was born Jan. 16, 1945, in Kenvir, Kentucky, to his loving parents, Bishop McKinley and Essie Mae Underwood. He was a 1964 graduate of South High School, where he played football and ran track. He received his bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University in 1975. He served In the United States Army from 1966 to 1968. He started his career at US Steel and over the years worked at various companies in accounting and sales. He retired in 2001 from his role as a process server at Mahoning County Jobs and Family Services.

He became an ordained minister in 2008 and served as an associate minister at Alpha & Omega First Baptist Church. He was a former member of the male chorus and youth director, and participated in the food and outreach ministries.

He was very active in the community, including serving as 2nd ward precinct committeeman and volunteering for multiple Democratic campaigns.

In addition to loving his family, the Rev. Underwood poured his heart into the youth of the community, leaving a lasting impact on those he served. He coached Little League football for McGuffey Centre. Refereed football for OHSAA, coached track for Emanon Jaguars, Youngstown Striders, St. Edward’s and St. Patrick of Hubbard. His hobbies included assembling model trains, bowling, skating and watching Westerns. He was a great conversationalist who never met a stranger. His heart for his family and people were apparent in so many aspects of his life.

He leaves to cherish his legacy and memory, his wife of 57 years, the former Rita Harris; three daughters, Sonja Underwood of Columbus, Lesley (Glenn) Young and Nicole (Kenden) Maynard of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; eight grandchildren, Ashley Underwood, Glenn Young III, Guyon Young, Naiden Maynard, Nigel Maynard, Amira Maynard, Gabriel Young and Gia Young; one great-granddaughter, Dylan Underwood; two brothers, Norman of Champaign, Illinois, and Jerry (Audrey) of Alliance; two sisters, Vivian Y. McElroy of Youngstown and Jacquetta Peoples of Boardman; one aunt, Lula McClendon; and two uncles, Frank (Betty) Williams and Will Feagin, all of Saginaw, Michigan; a nephew whom he helped rear, Gary D. Peterson; a special cousin, Elgirtha (Allen) Ryder of Yellow Springs; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and five brothers, Bishop McKinley, Bernard, Frank E., James and Charles; and seven sisters, Saundra, Bernice Owens, Anna P. Johnson, Mabel Curry, Bettie Hines, Doris Hale and Mary A. Brown.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 3, 2024, at L.E. Black Phillips & Holden Funeral Home, 1951 McGuffey Road, and 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Alpha & Omega First Baptist Church, 3120 Winton Ave, Youngstown, OH 44505. A celebration of life will follow at 10 a.m.

(special notice)