Steven Monroe Underwood

Steven M. Underwood, born in Rockingham County on October 31, 1953, to parents Alberta Faye Underwood and Harry Monroe Underwood, passed unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, October 26, 2024. He was 70 years old. 

A service and remembrance of his life will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Trinity Wesleyan Church (Eden, NC) in the Gymnasium. Breakfast and visitation will be at 10:00 AM with funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Gardens. The family will continue to receive friends at the home, 313 Walter Chambers St., Eden, NC.

A life-long native of Rockingham County, Steve was a devoted family man who loved his children, and he worked hard to give them the best start in life he could. He was so very proud of their accomplishments and he absolutely took credit for them. He was also an active member of his community. He was owner/operator of Heat & Air Controllers, an HVAC business started in 1983 in Eden, following many years working beside his father helping to build houses. Steve was widely known in the HVAC community and was often called upon by other professionals to offer his wealth of knowledge and experience. Not only was he a mentor to his many employees and fellow professionals over the years, but he was also a life mentor to those who sought out his no-nonsense wisdom and advice.

Steve was a member of Trinity Wesleyan Church (Eden) and served for many years as the keyboard player in the church Praise Team Worship Band, sometime joining in with his bass vocals. He was a very involved member of the Eden Jaycees, and he also served on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Eden, including as President and then Treasurer. Ever active, Steve even recently joined the Eden Rotary Club as a satellite member and was already very involved with their projects and fundraisers.

Steve had a great passion for sports, and one of the great joys of his life was helping to coach his children in their respective sports, be it golf, swimming, baseball, or softball. True or not, he still considered himself Kyle’s golf coach. A graduate of UNC-CH in 1976, Steve was a devoted Tar Heel, and he often was known to yell at the television if he didn’t agree with a referee call. He also enjoyed some friendly “trash talking” with his close NC State friends whenever the rivals squared off. He was passionate about music, and one of Steve’s bucket list desires was to play keyboard in a band. That dream was realized when he joined the band, Troublesome Highway, a project that brought him great joy and that allowed him to grow as a musician. He also treasured the times he played piano while Melissa sang. He was passionate about people, all people, and he spent much time and energy and money over the years offering support to those in need - often they did not know it came from him. An ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, Steve was always available if he was needed to be a sounding board, a counselor, or a friend. He could also be blunt, and a little rowdy, but those who knew him best, knew his heart and loved him just as he was. He also enjoyed cooking, especially breakfast, and he loved baking, especially pies. He was known for his chocolate pies and coconut crème pies especially – he will be missed at the church’s potlucks. Although he would dispute this, all of his friends will attest to the fact that Steve was one of the most intelligent and intellectual people they knew. His ability to pluck unusual facts out of thin air and pose stimulating questions always kept conversations with him interesting. He had a joke and a snippet of a song for just about any occasion. Steve was happiest when surrounded by family and friends enjoying some good music, good food and great conversation.

Left to cherish his memory are Sheri Underwood, sister to whose care he was committed; son Kyle Underwood - wife Kayluh Underwood and grandson Tate Underwood of Eden; daughter Melissa Underwood - spouse equivalent (a Steve Underwood term) Eric Seager of Denver, Colorado; and Rhonda C. Rhodes, Steve’s spouse equivalent for nearly a decade; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Extended family includes Carol and Terry Gregg, Curtis and Caroline Cupp, Colin and Anna Rhodes, and Evan and Maitland Rhodes. Special friends are too numerous to list. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Phyllis J. Underwood and his son, Jordan L. Underwood.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you help honor Steve’s devotion to his community by making donations in his memory either to the Boys & Girls Club of Eden - PO Box 4628, Eden, NC 27289, or the Eden Rotary Club – PO Box 3212 Eden, NC 27289.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com.