William Leman Underdown

Lenoir, NC- William Leman Underdown, age 90 of Lenoir was called home by his heavenly Father on Friday August 2, 2013 following an extended period of declining health. Leman was born October 10, 1922 in Lenoir, North Carolina to the late Milton A. and Vernie Mae Underdown. He is preceded in death by his lifelong sweetheart the late Virginia Bolick Underdown. He is also preceded in death by his brother Jack A. Underdown of Elkin; his sister Mary Frances Ervin of Charlotte and his son-in-law George D. Wooldridge. He attended Lenoir High School, Clevenger Business College, and Asbury College. Leman met and married his first and only love, Virginia Bolick of Rutherford College. They were married for sixty-seven beautiful years. He was a World War II Veteran, serving in the European theatre in the 737th Tank Battalion under General George Patton. Leman designed, owned, and operated Fairway Supermarkets and Fairway Shopping Centers with his business partner, Coit Barber for forty-six years. He originally owned and operated the Fairway Coin Laundry. He designed and developed Fairway Acres. He served on the Board of three banks: Bank of Granite, Mutual Savings and Loan, and Sun Trust Bank. Leman was a very active member of West Lenoir Baptist Church. He served the Lord faithfully throughout his lifetime. He also served his Savior, Jesus Christ by utilizing his God given talents to design the various buildings on his Church campus. He survived by his daughter Linda Underdown Weaver, husband Dr. David E. Weaver of Greer, South Carolina; his daughter Catherine Underdown Wooldridge of Rutherford College; grandchildren and great-grand children: Benjamin A. Weaver, wife Melissa, son, Mark Benjamin of Greer, South Carolina; Joseph R. Weaver, wife, Amanda, daughters, Morgan and Olivia of Simpsonville, South Carolina and Laura Katherine Weaver Mendez, husband, Gionnathon and daughter Anna Grace of Greer, South Carolina. Leman was a great man of faith, was an inspiration to many and was the heart of his family. He was admired and loved by all who knew him. He will be missed by many. Evans Funeral Service of Lenoir will be assisting the family with the funeral arrangements. The service will be held at West Lenoir Baptist Church on Sunday August 4, 2013 at 3:00 P.M. The family will be receiving friends prior to the actual service between the hours of 2:00 to 3:00 P.M. Interment with full military rights will follow the service at Abernathy Memorial United Methodist Church Cemetery in Rutherford College. Reverend Rick Safriet, Reverend Hoss Moore and Reverend Sarah Underwood will preside. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideon’s International, 433 North Main Ave., Newton North Carolina 28658; to Caldwell County Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, North Carolina 28645; to the Abernathy Memorial United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund or to the Church Columbarium Fund, 960 Malcolm Blvd., Rutherford College, North Carolina PDF Printable Version