of Harrison, AR

December 11, 1946 - March 7, 2022

Ernest Lee Underwood, age 75, of Harrison, passed away Monday, March 7, 2022, at the VA Medical Center in Fayetteville. He was born December 11, 1946, in Perry, Oklahoma to Bertie and Helen Winnie (Graham) Underwood.

Ernie loved working on hotrods with his latest one in progress and a 1979 Chevy El Comino. He was drafted out of high school by the Army fighting valiantly in Vietnam receiving two domestic and one foreign metal, the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and South Vietnam's Gallantry Cross (Anh Di Tinh) for saving several South Vietnamese and their General while under heavy gunfire from the enemy. After serving his country, he married the love of his life, Sandra Cates, on September 29, 1976, in Dardanelle, celebrating 45 years together. His family was his world. He was a welder working at Petit Jean Poultry and as a millwright for Killian's.

Ernie is survived by his loving wife; son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Megan Underwood of Harrison; daughter, Frances Jackson of Coffeyville, Kansas; two brothers, Jack and Jerry Underwood; six grandchildren, Kelsey, Casey Alexander, Elenore, Amelia, Ulusis and Hazel; and two great-grandchildren, Paisleigh and Emery. He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Betty Mae and Ruby; and three brothers, Robert, Bryan, and Johnny Ray.

Memorial service was Thursday, March 10, 2022, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Christeson Funeral Home
519 North Spring Street
Harrison, AR  72601
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com