Dr. Fred Lafayette Underwood, PhD, of McKinney, Texas, passed away on January 5, 2025, at the age of 95. He was born on April 9, 1929, in Norristown, Georgia, to William Jasper Underwood and Mary Eulice (Jenkins) Underwood. Fred graduated from R. E. Lee High School in Thomaston, Georgia where he excelled in academics and the R.O.T.C. After graduation, Fred proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, where he dedicated himself to his duties with honor and distinction. His military service was an important part of his personal development, and he carried the values of discipline, commitment, and integrity throughout his life.
After completion of his military service, which included service in the Korean Conflict, Fred earned his bachelor's and doctorate degrees in Pharmacy from the University of Georgia. He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi, a prestigious honor society. After completing his doctoral program at UGA, Fred went on to become a tenured Professor in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where he completed his Pharm-D degree, yet another Doctorate program in Pharmacy. Fred was a professor at the College of Pharmacy at UAMS for 24 years and was the acting Dean for a time.
On December 27, 1955, Fred married Thelma Wilkison, the love of his life, in Iron City, Georgia. Fred and Thelma met in Pharmacy school at UGA and shared 69 wonderful years together. Throughout his life, Fred enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including square dancing and round dancing, bowling, and water skiing. He was well known for his abilities as a handyman and had a remarkable ability to fix almost anything.
Fred was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Thelma Underwood of McKinney, Texas; son, David Underwood and wife, Amy of Huntingdon, Tennessee; daughter, Sandra Munk and husband, John of Allen, Texas; son, William Underwood of McKinney; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, William Bennie Underwood of Bedford, Texas; and a host of other loving family members and friends.
Fred was preceded in death by his son, Richard Underwood, and by his parents.
A memorial service to celebrate Fred’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 14, 2025 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Fred’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/dr-fred-lafayette-underwood-phd. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location.