Ron Underwood

*** Please, DO NOT order flowers through this website.  Please contact a local florist directly and have the arrangement delivered to First United Methodist Church of Gainesville or directly to the family.  Thank you.

Gainesville area florist information here https://www.geojcarroll.com/florists

Ronald Lee Underwood, a devoted advocate for social justice, a man of deep integrity, and a lifelong seeker of wisdom, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025, surrounded by family, and loved ones. Born August 24, 1948, in Dallas, Texas, to Walter Lee Underwood and Billye Katherine Whisnand Underwood, Ron spent his life in unwavering pursuit of fairness, knowledge, and service to others.

A 1966 graduate of Denison High School, Ron went on to earn his degree in Psychology and English from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas in 1970. In 1973, he received his Master of Theology from the Perkins School of Theology.

Ron's career spanned both ministry and business. He began as a Methodist minister before transitioning to the energy and polyethylene pipe industries, where he became a respected leader known for his strategic insight and mentorship. He held leadership roles at Sooner Oil Company, Poly Pipe Industries, Christie Manufacturing, Connectra Fusion Technologies, Georg Fischer, and later Pipeline Plastics, where he served as COO and Senior Advisor. He was also on the Board of Directors for Pipeline Plastic. His influence extended beyond his career. He was a board member at Cooke County College (now North Central Texas College), president of The United Way of Cooke County, and actively involved in civic organizations across North Texas.

While Ron's professional journey was vast his true impact was not measured in business titles or boardrooms. His greatest achievement was his unwavering commitment to justice, equity and lifting the voices of those who might otherwise go unheard.

Beyond his work and activism, Ron was a man of adventure and passion. He found joy in sailing, riding motorcycles, working his cattle, caring for his land, and riding and cutting horses.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Mitzie Underwood; his son Asher Underwood and wife Melissa Rous-Underwood; his stepchildren Jodi Fry and husband Sammy Fry, Kelly Brannan and William Brannan; and his cherished grandchildren, Kaya and Coco Underwood, Kaleigh Court and husband Colton Court, Brady Banks, Braxton Banks, Payton Banks, McKenna Fry, and Phoebe Enlow, as well as great-grandchildren Kali Court, Casey Court, and Brynlee Banks. He is also survived by his twin brother, Don Underwood, and his wife Bobbi; younger brother, Walter Underwood; and beloved nieces and nephews.

Ron's parting words were simple but profound: "Do not honor me - honor what I stood for."

A memorial service will be held March 1, 2025, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Gainesville, TX.

*** Please, DO NOT order flowers through this website.  Please contact a local florist directly and have the arrangement delivered to First United Methodist Church of Gainesville or directly to the family.  Thank you.

Gainesville area florist information here https://www.geojcarroll.com/florists