Jesse Ray Underdown

Jesse Ray Underdown, age 86, native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, passed away on Monday, August 14, 2023, at his residence on the Underdown family farm, established in the 1840s. He was a member of South Liberty Baptist Church. Jesse enjoyed farming and retired from Westvaco after 30 years’ service.  

Jesse was a son of the late Charles Wilburn “Billie” and Alice Maude Crabtree Underdown. He is further preceded by sisters: Betty Underdown, Hazel Underdown, and Edna Haney, brothers: Charles Underdown, Jr and Steven Underdown, and granddaughter: Elizabeth Lashawn Underdown.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years: Patsy O’Daniel Underdown, sons: Timothy Ray Underdown (Margaret Derrick), Tony Lynn Underdown (Melissa “Lisa”), Terry Scotty Underdown (Kelly), Tracy Charles Underdown (Sarah-Ann), 16 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, sisters: Velma Davis, Alice West (Bill), brother: Creed Luther “C.L.” Underdown, along with several nieces and nephews.  

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Ziegler Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 PM with Pastor Garry Duncan officiating. Interment will follow in South Liberty Cemetery.

Travis Brown, Brian Underdown, Ted Underdown, Daniel Underdown, Mack Underdown and Brent Underdown will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Caleb Underdown, Ethan Underdown, Micah Underdown, Eli Underdown, Levi Underdown, and Jason Byrnes.

If you are unable to attend the visitation or funeral service, please sign the online registry at:

www.zieglerfuneralhome.com

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with serving the family of Jesse Ray Underdown.