Ernest Underwood, age 81 of Demorest, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2020. Born in White County, Georgia on May 14, 1939, he was a son of the late Melton Fletcher and Flora Bell Presley Underwood. Mr. Underwood retired from Habersham Metal as a welder after 36 years of service. He was Papa to everyone that knew him and loved him. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte Tench Underwood; brothers, Ed Underwood, Thurman Underwood and Hoyt Underwood; sisters, Hazel Hicks, Ella Wilson, Nell Caudell and Ruth McEntire. Surviving are his sons and daughters-in-law, Steve & Jill Underwood and Greg & Tracy Underwood all of Demorest; daughters and sons-in-law, Kim & Greg Campbell of Baldwin, Carol & Rev. Ricky Wade of Demorest; grandchildren, Mitchell Wade, Michelle Batson, Haleigh Mealor, Branson Underwood, Jaren Campbell, Melissa Bailey, Matthew Campbell, Michaela Taylor; 7 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild and another on the way; several nieces, nephews, other family and friends. As well as others that considered him Papa. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 am, Wednesday, August 26, 2020 in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin and Stewart with Rev. Ricky Wade and Rev. Mark Thomas officiating. Interment will follow in White Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home. Those in attendance are asked to please adhere to the social distancing and public health guidelines. The family is at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Carol & Rev. Ricky Wade. An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com. MCGAHEE-GRIFFIN & STEWART FUNERAL HOME OF CORNELIA, GEORGIA (706/778-8668) IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS.