Obituary of Arnold J. Underwood

Arnold J. Underwood Sr., 83, a lifelong resident of McGraw and currently of the Friendship House in Cortland passed away October 16, 2011. He was born February 23, 1928 in McGraw to the late George and Leah Gardiner Underwood. Arnold owned and operated his own farm in McGraw for 42 years. He was a longtime member of 4H for over 21 years, and served as former President of the Solon Sportsmans Club for many years and was currently and honorary member. In his spare time he loved to call square dances. He also spent many years sponsoring many fresh air children of whom the Ruan family became our family. He is survived by his five children Sharon (Larry) Williams, Arnold Jack (Pam) Underwood, Dennis (Terri) Underwood, James (Debbie) Underwood, Lisa (Bob) Storie, 20 grandchildren 26 great grandchildren, brothers Warren, Gary, and Danie, sister Sylvia, longtime loving companion Louise Riley and her family, brother in law Alan (Gloria) McDougal, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Arnold was predeceased by his wife of 40 yrs. Patricia, a grandchild and great grandchild, sisters Thelma, Letha, and Marlea. Calling hours are Wednesday 6-8 pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland NY. Funeral services will be Thursday 11 am at Wright-Beard Funeral Home with burial to follow at the Cortland Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Heart Assoc. To offer condolences online, visit www.wright-beard.com Arn will be will missed . Remembering the funniest times Kurt had with him and the family. We send our condolences and our prayers and thoughts go out to the whole family. Cheryl James / Kurt Williams Grandpa, I just want you to know that I am not looking forward to the next couple of days :( I am so sad that I wasn't by your side on Sunday but I know that you are proud of me and my opportunities in Ohio that I took. I am going to try and be strong for Dad and Aunt Lisa. I am so thankful that I got to grow up around the corner from you and I will never forget what a hard worker you were and all the fun times we had. You taking me to Solon Sportsmans Club with you was something I looked forward to EVERY WEEK. I love you and I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!!!! Say Hi to Grandma for me and tell her I miss & love her! Love you so much, Stacey Sorry to hear about your dad. Greg Walters Uncle Arn was such a wonderful and special man! He was always willing to share his love, time, help and posessions with anyone that was in need. My childhood memories of him are such happy ones... he was so funny and always made everyone laugh. He will be greatly missed and we send our love and prayers to the whole family. Chuck & Marlene Parks So sorry for your loss. We all loved Arnie. He was a very nice person and did a lot for people in need. We will miss him. Donna & Larry Lewis