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Family and friends of the late Thomas “Ed” Underwood gathered on Thursday at Market Station for a ceremony designating a section of South Second Street in Albemarle in his memory.
Underwood, who operated Carolina Oil Company (located along the designated section of road), was a fixture in the business and civic community in Albemarle for most of his life.
“Mr. Underwood lived a full and accomplished life,” said Tony Lathrop, NCDOT Division 10 board member, who served as master of ceremonies at the event. “He was a lifelong resident of Albemarle, earned the rank of master sergeant during the Korean Conflict and became very involved in the community upon his return to Albemarle.”
According to Lathrop, Underwood was known for his “generous nature and excellent customer service” in his business and interpersonal dealings, a view echoed by others who spoke at the event.
Son Greg Underwood remembered his father taking phone calls at home from customers who had run out of fuel oil and were unable to pay.
“He would call up Jerry (Callicutt) or Jim (Harvey) and ask them to drive out and deliver them some heating oil,” Greg said. “He would say, ‘I can’t let those people sit in the cold.’ ”
“The City of Albemarle was my dad’s life,” added Tony Underwood, his other son. “He loved this community.”

He also spoke of the mutual dedication his mother, Lou Underwood, shared with her late husband.
“They were married 60 years,” he said. “She loved him and stood by his side all that time, and this is an honor for my mom as well.”
Albemarle Mayor Ronnie Michael described Underwood as “always there as a businessman, public servant and friend.”
He also noted that Underwood served eight years as a Stanly County commissioner and 17 years on Albemarle City Council, in addition to serving on the Stanly County Airport Board during its period of greatest growth, as well as having served as a member of the Stanly Community College Board of Trustees.
Several speakers recalled that Underwood never allowed his political views to stand in the way of helping others.
“He helped everyone, regardless of their politics,” said Stephen Aldridge. “He was not a politician, he was a statesman.”
“Dad never saw politics as a divisive topic,” added Tony Underwood, recalling that when his father was first elected to Albemarle City Council, he was the first Republican candidate in 45 years to win a seat.
The Underwood brothers thanked those who made the road designation possible, including Lathrop and other NCDOT board members, as well as Albemarle City Council and Sheriff Jeff Crisco.
In summarizing his father’s nature, Tony Underwood cited Galatians 5:13: “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
“I hope I can be half the man my dad was,” he added.

Toby Thorpe is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.