Roy Underwood

Roy Underwood, 79 of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026. Born on March 3, 1947 in Jacksonville, Florida to Aaron Jefferson and Helen Aleen Underwood. Roy lived a life marked by creativity, dedication and love for his family and faith.

Roy pursued education with enthusiasm attending a junior college in Florida and later studying at Life College in Atlanta, where he earned his doctorate in Chiropractic. His thirst for life led him to earn many professional degrees throughout his life, as well as becoming a pilot. A visionary entrepreneur Roy was at the creator of Misty Mountain fish farm and aquacultural products as well as Sentry UV in Atlanta, Georgia where his son Mark still runs the company today. His innovative spirit was further demonstrated by his achievement of five different patents.

A proud veteran of the United States Navy. Roy served his country with honor before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey. Beyond his professional accomplishments he had a deep passion for music and played guitar for many years and more recently played with a church praise and worship team. He also had a lifelong love for old cars and loved going to car shows. He most recently was a member of the North Cleveland Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Roy came from a family of musicians as his uncle Lloyd Moss played at the Grand Ole Opry as Carolina Slim. Roy's creativity also spilled over into writing songs and poems about his life's journey.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Robin Underwood and granddaughter Carin Hatchett. Also by several loved ones who held a special place in his heart including his cousin Kenny Moss, brother-in-law Billy Clifton as well as dear friend Joel Cox .

Roy is survived by his devoted wife, Melanie Underwood, first wife Kay Underwood, children Mark and Laurie,Underwood, Amanda and Dexter Sherrell, and Michael and Chrisi Boyer. Grandchildren include Colby Collins, Olivia Robinson, Jocelin Buckner, Madeline Merriman, Aaron Underwood, Bethany Holloway, Michaela Boyer, Rachel Lemoine, Berkley Gaston, Kutler, and Landry Gaston. Sisters Helen Underwood, Mozelle Clifton and Livinia Thigpen. Great grandchildren include Jeremiah and Raina Leigh Holloway and Kane Boyer.

Those who knew Roy remember him as an intelligent kind-hearted man whose warmth touched everyone around him. His life for family was boundless as was his joy spending time with his grandkids. He will be remembered notably for his remarkable achievements but also for the sweetness of his character and the depth of his faith.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 1:00pm, at Cochran McDaniel Funeral Homes of Murphy, NC.

The family will recieve friends on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 12:00pm -1:00pm, at Cochran McDaniel Funeral Homes of Murphy, NC.

Interment will follow at Moss Family Cemtery in Marble, NC.

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Roy E. Underwood; you may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranmcdaniel.com.