Former Leflore County Judge and Greenwood businessman, Curtis Gene Underwood Sr., of Gore Springs, MS, passed away December 21 ^st , 2019 at the Greenwood Leflore Hospital. He was born in Sunflower County on July 15 ^th , 1936 to John and Carrie Childress Underwood. He was an active and faithful member of North Greenwood Baptist Church in Greenwood.

Mr. Underwood joined the Air Force at the age of 18 and was stationed at Davis Monthan Base in Tucson, AZ. He served in the 43 Bomb Wing 36 Air Div (Strategic Air Command) during the years 1954 to 1958 with training missions in Hawaii, Guam, Midway Islands and Okinawa. After discharge, he and his family resided in Greenwood for over 30 years. He joined the Greenwood Police Department in 1961 and served for 8 years.

After working for a car dealership for several years, a friend dared him to run for the position of Justice Court Judge. Curtis ran and was elected. He spent 24 years as Justice Court Judge of Leflore County, MS. He was voted by his fellow Judges to serve numerous years as their Executive Director of the State of MS Judges Association. Also, during the years 1974 through 1984, Curtis was owner of three Greenwood businesses-Credit Bureau and Collections, Greenwood Finance Company and Leflore Auto Sales.

Curtis was an avid crappie fisherman and outdoorsman. He taught many young people to fish and hunt. He always tried to guide them on the right road when presiding in court.

Mr. Underwood was preceded in death by son, Curtis Gene Underwood, Jr. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Shirley Cheek Underwood; a son, Kevin Wayne Underwood of Ridgeland, MS; and a daughter, Kim Underwood O'Bryant and her husband, Anthony James O'Bryant of Cruger. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Anna Katherine Walton (Robert) of Greensboro, NC, Andie O'Bryant Longnecker (Jeremy) of Thibodaux, LA, and Owen Underwood O'Bryant. Great grandchildren are Kaylie Grace Ware and Nolan Earl Ware.

Visitation will be 9:30 am to 11:00 am at North Greenwood Baptist Church, with the funeral at 11:00 am on Friday, December 27, 2019. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in North Carrolton, MS, with American Legion Post #29 performing military rites.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Dunn, Byron O'Bryant, Allen Dykes, Matt Jones, BJ Shake, and Greg Watkins. Honorary Pallbearers will be Charlie Keith Dunn, members of the Grace Sunday School Class, Grenada Lake Camping Club, and Christian Fellowship Group of Gore Springs.

Memorial may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or North Greenwood Baptist Church. Wilson and Knight Funeral Home is in charge. Online guest book may be signed at www.wilsonandkngiht.com