Mr. Joe Ray Underwood age 78 of Tuckers Cross Roads passed away May 11, 2026, at Smith County Health Care in Carthage. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, September 17, 1947, he was the son of the late Shirl R. Underwood and Marjorie Louise O’Niones Underwood.

After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U. S. Army and served during the Vietnam Era. He worked as a machine mechanic most of his life, including at Mueller Brass and later worked part-time at Walmart in Lebanon. He was a member of Rome Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by wife, Mary Davis Underwood; three brothers: Jackie Underwood, Gary Goolsby, Michael Goolsby.

Survivors include his wife of twenty-two years, Martha Reeves Underwood; 10 children: Melissa (Kenny) Grisham, Joe Neal (Lorie) Underwood, Sharon (Jeff) Hatley, Wallace (Deona) Brummett, Angela Harrell, Rose (John) Vick, Ellen (Steve) Wright, Shirl Underwood, Robert Underwood, Judy (Kyle) Reynolds; twenty-four grandchildren: Joseph (Tiffany) Fisher, Brandon Fisher, Anthony Grisham, Chris Grisham, Chris (Danielle) Underwood, Chelsea Underwood, Beth (Steven) Franklin, Miles Underwood, Loren (Wayne) Gilmer, Courtney (Jamin) Craighead, Lindsey (Rick) Mathis, Abby Harrell, Matthew Harrell, Venisa Reynolds, Conner Reynolds, Xander Phillips, Gavin Brummett, Levi Wright, Canaan Brummett, Corbin Brummett, Cyeleah Brumett, Alex Vick, Scarlett Vick, Logan Hatley; 24 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Judy Pugmire, Janet (John) Stump; two brothers: Mark Underwood, Eddie (Jennifer) Goolsby.

Funeral services will be held Monday, May 18, 2026, at 1 p.m. from the Ligon & Bobo Funeral Home, 241 West Main Street, Lebanon, with Bro. David Haun officiating. Interment with Military Honors by the U. S. Army Honor Guard will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery. Active Pallbearers: Joseph Fisher, Brandon Fisher, Chris Underwood, Chris Grisham, Gavin Brummett, Shaun Horton; Honorary Pallbearers: Robert Underwood, Kyle Reynolds. Visitation Monday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

LIGON & BOBO FUNERAL HOME, in charge of arrangements.