John"J. W." Wyatt Underwood

John Wyatt “J.W.” Underwood, aka Dindad or Uncle Dub, from the Waterloo Community in Irwin County, Georgia, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, at the Willson Hospice House in Albany, Georgia. Those fortunate enough to know him considered him a friend and loved one.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Albritton Funeral Directors. A private family graveside service will be held at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Corey Thompson officiating at a later date.

He was born at home in Irwin County, Georgia on September 20, 1938 to the late George Lester Underwood and late Sallie Mae Hester Underwood. J. W. grew up in a nurturing environment that instilled in him a sense of community. He was a 1956 graduate of Irwin County High School. During the 1960’s, he joined the United States Air National Guard. He dedicated thirty-four years of his life to the Georgia Department of Transportation, where he contributed his skills and expertise until retirement. His work was a source of pride, but it was his relationship with family and friends that truly defined him.

Always known for his funny jokes and light-hearted demeanor, J.W. brought joy to gatherings and left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He had a knack for making people laugh—a trait that would become one of his hallmarks throughout life. J.W. was loyal, dependable, and honest. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke – you listened. He was a reasonable, thoughtful decision maker and a man of common sense.

J.W. was someone you could rely on to give good advice; however, that advice would often be straightforward and seasoned with a bit of sarcasm or wit. You might have found yourself laughing during conversations with J.W. while at the same time wondering if you should be offended. He was full of “one-liners” and dry comebacks, but everyone knew that his words always came from a good heart.

J.W. had a strong work ethic and believed in doing things the right way. If something was broken, he wanted to fix it. The solution may have required some duct tape, twine from the 70’s, super glue, a popsicle stick, and a random part from his previous project. He did not believe in expiration dates or throwing things away. However, you could guarantee that after he worked on a project that it would be fixed, and it would work. He believed in saving money and taking care of his belongings. Fortunately for his family and friends, he treated his relationships the same way. He always emphasized ‘righting wrongs’ and offering forgiveness.

His love for family was matched only by his passion for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and being outside. Until the disbandment of the Long County Hunting Club, J. W. shared many memorable years of camping and deer hunting with his friends. J.W. never met a cooler or truck bed that he couldn’t pack and organize for Ludowici. Along with his coke and pack of orange crackers, you would find him sitting around the fire with his friends cutting sugar cane slices with his pocketknife. Anyone who considered themselves a member of the Long County Hunting Club, was truly a friend to J.W.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-four years, Jo Paulk Underwood, his daughter Jill Underwood Johnson, and his grandchildren, Cody Johnson and his fiancé Kerri Gregory and Katy Johnson Bailey, along with her husband, Dillon. He is also survived by his great grandchildren Blakley Jo Johnson, Ella Jane Bailey, and Callie Ann Bailey along with his sister, Imogene Underwood Register, his nephew Steve Register and his wife Teri, his niece Erin Register Turner and her husband Mark, his great nephew, Rhett Turner and his great niece Brentley Turner.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, O'Neal Register.

J. W. Underwood is remembered not only for the laughter he shared but also for the kindness he extended to others. His presence will be profoundly missed, but we know that he was a Godly man of faith and that he is in Heaven with Our Savior.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to The Willson Hospice House https://phoebehealth.com/phoebe-foundation/ways-to-give/funds-and-programs/give_hospice If you have questions about donating, please call: 229-312-4483 or the charity of your choice in his memory.

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.