Ned Brown Underwood

Ned Brown Underwood, 81, a long-time resident of Snyder died Thursday, November 5, 2015 in Waco.

A memorial service for Mr. Underwood will be held at 2 pm Sunday, November 8 at Colonial Hill Baptist Church in Snyder with his grandson, the Rev. Brett Gibson of Garland, officiating, assisted by Dr. Tommy Culwell. A reception and visitation will be held immediately following the service at the church.

Mr. Underwood was born August 28, 1934 in Clairemont, Kent County, Texas to Bill and Doris Underwood. The family moved to Snyder shortly after his birth. In 1953, he graduated from Snyder High School where he was Senior Class President, Mr. SHS, and captain of the football and basketball teams.

Mr. Underwood attended Texas Tech University on a basketball scholarship. He was a three-year letterman of the basketball team under legendary coach, Polk Robinson, and captain of the 1957 Red Raider team. Mr. Underwood remained devoted to his university, his beloved coach, and his teammates who were lifelong friends.

In 1954, Mr. Underwood married his high school sweetheart, Pauline “Polly” Yandell of Snyder. After his graduation from Tech, the family returned to Snyder where Mr. Underwood served as a teacher, coach, and administrator for Snyder ISD for 34 years. During his tenure, he was head basketball coach at Snyder High School for ten years, and he was twice named as All-Area Coach of the Year and Chairman of the All-State Selection Committee. In 2006, Mr. Underwood was inducted into the Snyder High School Athletic Hall of Honor. He also served as Assistant Principal at Snyder High School and in various leadership roles in state and national teaching organizations.

Known for his servant’s heart, he always had a project. He was an active participant in his church and in community events. He was as a deacon at Colonial Hill Baptist Church and First Baptist Church and served in leadership and ministry roles for many years. He also was a leader in Baptist affairs and served on various committees of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. He was a founder of the Little Dribblers Basketball organization in Snyder in 1969. He was also an organizing member of Wheels, an organization for antique and classic car enthusiasts.

A towering figure, literally and in his character, Mr. Underwood was loved and admired by many. He will be missed for a multitude of reasons, not the least of which was his willingness to help others. He provided an enduring legacy to his devoted family, who loved him dearly.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Polly of Waco; daughter, Pam Gibson of Waco; son, Max Underwood and his wife, Debbie, of Colleyville; four grandchildren--Brett Gibson and his wife, Christina, of Garland; Ryan Gibson and his wife, Megan, of Waco; Emily Prizer and her husband, Blake, of Dallas; and Brad Underwood of Durham, North Carolina and his fiancé, Laura Wilson of Morris, Illinois. He is also survived by his sister, Helen Crouse of Snyder and his brother, Bill Underwood and his wife, Carolyn, of Mesquite. Mr. Underwood is survived by six great grandchildren (with one more on the way) and many wonderful nephews, nieces, and cousins. Mr. Underwood was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Marcus Underwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Colonial Hills Baptist Church, P.O. Box 290, Snyder, TX 79550 or First Baptist Church, 1712 27th St., Snyder, TX 79549.