Draper Underwood

Draper Clarence Underwood, age 88, passed away at his home in High Springs on February 25th, 2026. Born on November 27, 1937 in High Springs, Draper graduated from High Springs High School in 1955 and married his high school sweetheart, Lennell Huggins, on January 18th 1959. Following high school, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a demolition specialist. Stationed in Arizona as a “Desert Rat,” he saw active duty during the Berlin Crisis in 1961 and was honorably discharged in August 1966. Over the course of his life, Draper owned and operated several successful local businesses, including Melton Automotive Service, Liquidation Outlet, and Underwood HydroMulching. He also served as the County Landfill Manager for Alachua County. In his later years, he enjoyed selling handmade clay pottery at Master Garden shows throughout Florida. A devoted member of the High Springs Church of Christ, Draper loved preaching, teaching Bible classes, and mentoring young men in their faith. He often credited his childhood friend, Colin Williamson, with teaching him the Bible and encouraging him throughout his Christian walk. He was always quick with an outlandish story, a witty joke, or tickle-fingers for the great grandkids. Affectionately known as Honey, Daddy, Dad, Grandaddy, and BooDaddy, Draper was the life of every party and the source of so much laughter. Draper is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lennell; their daughter Dralynn (Mark) Swick; their son Brad (Leah) Underwood; his sister, Zitha Kane; five grandchildren-- Brittney (Joby) Jett, Mark (Jessy) Swick, Jayden Walker, Everett and Jasper Underwood; and five great grandchildren, Teagen, Graham, Rubie and Olive Jett; and Scarlett Swick. Draper was preceded in death by his parents, Dondo and Janie Underwood; two sisters- Sarah Carver and Katie Shirvin; and his brother Don Underwood. A graveside service will be held at the High Springs Cemetery at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 6, 2026. Bro. Tim Spivey and Bro. Wayne Yancy officiating. Arrangements have been placed under the care of the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Chiefland Chapel, with locations in Cross City 352-498-5400 and Chiefland 352-493-0050.

Draper Underwood

November 27, 1937 - February 25, 2026