Barry Phillip Underwood

Barry Phillip Underwood (1962 – 2024) was a dearly loved son, brother, uncle, father, grandfather, husband, and friend. His unexpected passing is heartbreaking for so many, but he would not want us to be sad, because despite the challenges he faced in life, Barry exuded happiness and joy.

Barry was the oldest of two children born to Barbara and Phil Underwood. Phil served as Officer in the Navy during the Viet Nam war, returned home to earn a master’s degree from Virginia Tech, then became a successful builder and business owner. Barbara was a devoted Mother, who gave herself unselfishly to raise her children with a solid Christian foundation. Barry learned so much from his parents, and he displayed many of their characteristics in his own life.

Barry and his younger sister Daria were Navy babies, so they moved around a lot when they were young. They were very close, and their bond grew stronger over time. In recent years they would talk for hours on end, including a long and happy conversation that ended just hours before Barry was called to his Creator.

Of the many roles Barry played, being a father to his daughter Rebecca and his bonus son Christopher was one of the great joys of his life. Barry beamed when he was with Rebecca, her husband Tim, and his three grandchildren. Even after Chris was permanently disabled in an accident, Barry remained steadfast in his love and commitment to him.

Barry was exceptionally talented in everything he pursued, and he pursued a lot! He earned a living as a carpenter, craftsman, and woodworker, and he approached his work like an artist approaches art. He loved the outdoors, and he was an avid mountain cyclist. He was so passionate about it he named his company Cycle Discyple Craftsmen.

He was a master gardener, car enthusiast, mechanic, beekeeper, chicken farmer, grill master, Habitat for Humanity volunteer, and comedian - or so he thought! He will be remembered for his character, integrity, passion, and sense of humor.

Barry loved the Falcons and the Georgia Bulldogs, but he loved his real dogs even more, starting with his German Shepherds Otis and Stevie, his Dobermans Zeus and Thor, and finally his Rhodesian Ridgeback Venus.

But it was as a husband where Barry truly flourished. Barry and Aimee were young when they met, but they knew they were made for each other. Their relationship flourished when they joined 12Stone Church, a community that embraced them and gave them purpose. Barry and Aimee were devoted followers of Jesus, and at 12Stone they became small group leaders and spent countless hours volunteering to help others. As Barry’s relationship with Aimee and the Church grew, so did his compassion for others.

Despite all the goodness in this life, Barry’s faith prepared him for the next life, so he was looking forward to heaven. He would not want his family and friends to be sad, he would want them to throw a party – and he’ll be there in spirit!

Barry is survived by his dear Aimee, his daughter Rebecca Underwood (Tim Adebayo), bonus son Chris Williams, mother Barbara Underwood, sister Daria deGolian (George), brother-in-law Adam Allen, grandchildren Yancey, Hudson, Avery, and Grayson, his uncle/brother Greg Toth (Gladys), nephews Jeremy Toth, Phillip deGolian (Maggie), Ben deGolian (Hannah and Rory), and Matthew deGolian. Barry was predeceased by his father, Phil Underwood. 

A Celebration of Barry’s Life will be held at 11am on Friday, August 16^th, at 12Stone Church, located at 4256 Martin Road, Flowery Branch, GA 30542, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at www.BreakthroughT1D.org.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.