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.
I will miss “ERN.†He was always kind to me.
Rest In Peace, my brother in arms.
Thank you for your service and welcome home. God bless the USA.
I always enjoyed listening to your stories. You always seem to have a smile on your face. I will miss you and love you dearly.
R.I.P my friend. Sandra, Andrew I love you guys. I'm sorry I couldn't make it to pay my respect . All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.