Bill Underwood, Underwood Fine Jewelers

1932 - 2023

William “Bill” Gravely Underwood, founder of Fayetteville, ARbased Underwood Fine Jewelers, passed away on April 2, 2023 after a brief battle with cancer.

“I enjoy learning in the business, and there’s so much joy in finding the perfect piece from someone and seeing how excited they are to get it or to give it to someone. That’s my favorite part,” she says.

The pair don’t concern themselves with job titles or clearly delineated roles - everyone works the sales floor and everyone shares buying responsibilities, tournaments and similarly themed events around the Gulf Coast. In fact, the store offers custom jewelry pieces such as fish pendants. And it’s not unusual to see customers arrive fresh off the boat or beach.

“People bring their children and grandchildren in. No one feels intimidated,” Morgan says.

“We’re a fine jewelry store, but casual. We want people to be

Sjn Majn

Editor, Bill Newnam bill@southernjewelrynews.com

Publisher, Chris Smith chris@southernjewelrynews.com

Administration and classified advertising

Martha Osswald martha@southernjewelrynews.com

Staff Writers

Wanda Freeman

Paul Holewa

Dianna Jarrett

Deborah Yonick

Vice President Sales

Elesa B. Dillon elesa@southernjewelrynews.com

Contributing Writers

David Brown

Brad Huisken

Diana Jarrett

Mia Katrin

Chuck Koehler

Joel McFadden

Guy Pineda

Southern Jewelry News 2006 New Garden Road - Suite 208 Greensboro, NC 27410

Phone: 336-389-1950

Fax: 336-389-1952 www.southernjewelrynews.com email: info@southernjewelrynews.com

Any views or opinions presented in this publication are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Southern Jewelry News.

While attending the University of Arkansas, Bill started Underwoods with nothing more than a $1,000 loan and an uncompromising work ethic. With his dedication, talent and passion, Underwoods Jewelers grew to become one of the preeminent jewelry stores in the nation. Bill was in the first class of only twenty-nine jewelers in all of America to earn the designation of Certified Gemologist Appraiser. He also treasured his involvement with the American Gem Society (AGS) and served as its President from 1988-1990. He served on numerous national and international diamond and jewelry committees, and received countless awards and honors in the industry.

Born on September 22, 1932 in Mountain View, Oklahoma, Bill grew up during the Great Depression, learning values that served him through his life. He earned a degree in Horology from Southwestern State College, then served in the Navy from 1952-1956. After the Navy, Bill moved to Fayetteville to attend the University of Arkansas on the G.I. Bill where he earned a BS in Business.

It was Fayetteville where he met the love of his life, LeAnn, whom he married in 1958. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a friend to many. He was a leader in the jewelry industry and his community, a role model, mentor and always the eternal optimist.