Richard Edward "Dickie" Underwood, age 61, of 3606 Douthat Road, Clifton Forge, died Sunday, March 15, 2009 at Alleghany Regional Hospital, Low Moor.

Born October 6, 1947 in Clifton Forge, Virginia, he was a son of the late Ernest Griffith Underwood, Sr. and Mary Hyler Underwood.

He was a retired bus driver for Botetourt County Public Schools and was a member of Mount Carmel Church in Eagle Rock.

He was an avid fan of NASCAR, the Washington Redskins, and UVA Sports, and was a loving husband and brother.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Brenda Underwood in 1946 and a brother, Ernest Griffith "E.G." Underwood, Jr. in 1994.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Arrington Underwood of Clifton Forge; a foster son, Charles A. Brown of Irwin, PA; two sisters, Darlene Oyler and husband, Kenneth of Clifton Forge and Virginia "Jenny" Eggleston and husband, Marvin of Covington; two brothers, Ronnie W. Underwood, Sr. and wife, Judy of Clifton Forge and Cecil Underwood and special friend, Carla Fitzsimmons of Clifton Forge; an uncle, Elbert Underwood of Millboro; a number of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins, and special companion, "Skittles".

A funeral service will be held on Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Reverend Richard Ronk officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday at Nicely Funeral Home, prior to the service, and other times at the home. In keeping with his wishes, his body will be cremated following the service. The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to The Alleghany Humane Society, 304 Karnes Road, Low Moor, VA 24457, or to the Clifton Forge Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 419, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.