Ray Underwood

Ellis Ray Underwood, 72, of Iuka, Mississippi, died Thursday, September 3, 2015, at his residence. Mr. Underwood was a member of Fifth Street Baptist Church, where he formerly served as a deacon and continued to serve as honorary deacon. He retired from Genesco Shoe Co. after twenty years of employment, and following retirement he continued his career working for Westvaco Corporation. Ray loved to sing gospel music and was a member of The Laymen Quartet. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. Visitation is scheduled for 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, September 5, at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka. Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 p.m., Sunday, September 6, at Fifth Street Baptist Church. The body will lie in state for one hour prior to service time at the church on Sunday. Services will be officiated by Dr. Tony Curtis and Rev. J. B. Burns. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers include Wayne Underwood, Jeff Underwood, Mike Underwood, Jerry Underwood, Timothy Gillespie, and Steven Gillespie. Honorary pallbearers include the men of Fifth Street Baptist Church. Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, MS is entrusted with arrangements. He is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Carolyn Underwood of Iuka; one son, Lee Allen Underwood (Kim) of Pearl; one daughter, Cynthia Weathers (Frank) of Iuka; one brother, Larry Underwood (Lisa); and one sister, Geraldine Brassfield, both of Fulton; two grandchildren, Tasha Morrill of Iuka, and Nathaniel Underwood of Pearl; two great-grandchildren, Lexie Barry and Connor Ray Barry; and numerous other friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis Lee and Charlean Lyle Underwood. Memorials may be made to Fifth Street Baptist Church.