08/21/2026
Sgt. Major (Ret.) David Underwood Sr. Obituary
Sergeant Major (Ret.) David DeLane Underwood, Sr. of Clinton, North Carolina passed away on August 10, 2026 at the age of 84.
He was born in Clinton, North Carolina on August 16, 1941 to the late William Thomas Underwood and Juanita Butler Underwood.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Vanessa Underwood, and his sisters Clarissa Butler and Laurine Underwood Hill.
David’s family meant the world to him. Simple visits and family gatherings were special to him. He welcomed so many as friends and family and he was also special to them. The military introduced him to even more friends who became a part of his extended family.
He entered the United States Army in August 1959 and began his career as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Throughout his career, he served in numerous leadership and specialized positions, including Military Intelligence Sergeant; First Sergeant with the 1st Battalion, 325th Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division; A-Team Sergeant and B-Team Operations Sergeant with the 5th Special Forces Group; First Sergeant with the 3rd Group Activation Cell; and Sergeant Major with the 6th Special Operations Support Command, 3rd Group/XVIII Airborne Corps. After retiring from the U.S. Army in April 1995, he remained committed to serving the public as the Chief of Police for Roseboro, North Carolina. His more than three decades of service reflected courage, leadership, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to his country and those he served alongside.
While David’s military and civilian accomplishments were many, his greatest legacy was the lives he touched. He was deeply loved and respected by family, friends, fellow soldiers, law enforcement officers, and those he mentored. To many, he was a source of strength, wisdom, encouragement, and laughter. His presence was truly special, and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
David is survived by his wife, Gussie Belle Howard Underwood, of 64 years; his sons David D. Underwood, Jr. (Gloria) and Kelvin Gustavus Underwood; his daughters Juanita Underwood Bailer (Joseph), Karen Michelle Underwood Reid, Davina Maria Underwood Joshua, and Regina Rebecca Underwood.
A visitation will be held at Butler & Son Funeral Home, Inc., 904 E Dr. MLK Blvd, Roseboro, North Carolina on Sunday, August 23, 2026 from 1-6 pm. The viewing will take place from 1-5 with the family receiving friends and extended family from 5-6 pm.
A funeral mass will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 104 E. John St. Clinton, North Carolina.
Burial will take place at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake, North Carolina on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 12:00 pm.
Services are entrusted to Butler & Son Funeral Home, Inc.
