Dennis Dewane Underwood was born on May 27, 1937 in Weirton, West Virginia. Denny was the eldest of ten children born to Herald and Irene Greathouse Underwood. He and his siblings grew up on Big Battle Run in Center Point, West Virginia, where he attended Doddridge County Schools and was a member of Welcome Baptist Church.
Denny had a strong work ethic. In his early years, he worked in many factories along the Ohio River, including Power Engineering. His main career was with PPG Industries as a maintenance man and welder. He began work with PPG Industries in 1960 in Nutter Fort, West Virginia and then transferred to Meadville, Pennsylvania in 1969 with his family. In 1986, he relocated to Huntsville, Alabama to continue his career with PPG Industries. It was there that he met his love and wife of 32 years, Helen Gossett Underwood. Denny and Helen, along with their family, are very dedicated to their church, Madison Church of the Nazarene, where he taught Adult Bible Study. His love for hunting led him to design and build a beloved cabin in West Virginia, one of his favorite places on earth.
Denny was a wonderful father to his children: Patricia (David) Clark and Susan (Robert) Underwood of New Willmington, Pennsylvania; James (Debra) Underwood of Center Point, West Virginia; and James (Dixie) Gossett, Nancey (Greg) Dempsey, and Suzy (Kevin)Tipton of Huntsville, Alabama. There was no greater joy for GrandPa / PawDenny than spending quality time with his grandchildren: Scott, Gary, Robby, Missy, Jonathan, Brady, Emily, Sam, Sarah, Charlie, and Rachel.
His siblings were his greatest fans: Darwin (Bonnie) Underwood – Ohio, Stanley (Audrey) Underwood – Pennsylvania, Tom Charles (Diane) Underwood – Ohio, Charlene Underwood Fisher , Pig Orland (Jene) Underwood, and Donald Underwood, Center Point, Michael (Barb) Underwood, Big Battle , and Randy (Anita) Underwood , Salem
He was preceded in death by his father, Herald Underwood, mother, Irene Underwood, and brother, Jerry Underwood.
Graveside services were conducted in the Center Point Cemetery on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Lewis Martin presiding. Private family viewing was from 1:00- 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Harbert Funeral Home 287 W. Main St. Salem. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Medical Center, Center Point Christian Church in West Virginia, or a local charity of choice. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.harbertfuneralhome.com. Harbert Funeral Home is privileged to serve the Underwood family.