Obituary for Jay Underwood

Jay Underwood

December 18, 1991 ~ March 15, 2020 (age 28)

Jay Thomas Underwood of Ponca City passed away early Sunday evening, March 15, 2020 in Oklahoma City, surrounded by family and love. Jay was born to Tony and Jean Underwood on December 18th, 1991; he was 28 years old.

Jay graduated from Ponca City Senior High School in 2010. Jay enjoyed every minute of high school life, from playing varsity basketball to spending time with friends. He then moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma to attend Oklahoma State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Finance. Upon graduation, Jay accepted a position as a Consumer Lender at First National Bank of Oklahoma in Ponca City. Jay treasured his job and the various organizations he was able to be a part of. Determined and hardworking, Jay was promoted to Assistant Vice President.

Though he had a successful career, his favorite title, Uncle Jay, was given to him on December 14th, 2010 with the birth of his first niece Braylee. They spent as much time as possible together with McDonald’s runs, playing games, and mac and cheese making dates. In the following years, he was blessed with a nephew, Maddox, and a niece, Taylin that he loved unconditionally. He also meant a great deal to another tiny human, Colby Pugh. The two enjoyed playing video games and Jay was sure to attend all of his activities.

Jay loved coaching, playing, and watching any and every sport; he especially loved OKC Thunder, OSU, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, and the Boston Red Sox. He obsessed over fantasy football alongside his brother, Blake. His summers were filled with days on the lake, where loads of memories were made.

During the spring of 2017, he found his person in Sarah Ashley Pugh. The two were inseparable, spending their days together traveling and experiencing new things. Last year, Jay proposed and the two were engaged. They experienced much joy but also very trying times. During these times, they found comfort in one another. Their love remains a constant reminder of true selflessness and commitment.

Jay fought the toughest of fights with leukemia and it was a long and arduous battle with multiple complications happening all at once. He fought with bravery and ultimately won the battle.

Jay is survived by his parents, Tony and Jean Underwood of Broken Arrow, OK, his brother, Blake Underwood, his wife, Heather, and their children, Braylee, Maddox, and Taylin, grandparents, Danny and Barbara Woolsey of Ponca City, OK, Donna Johnston of Ponca City, and FM Johnny Johnston of Bartlesville, OK, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. His Fiancée, Ashley Pugh of Ponca City, Colby, Shirley, and Terry Pugh of Ponca City, and his Fiancée’s mother, Tracy King of Ponca City, also survive him.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in Ponca City Assembly with Pastor Dewayne Bardwell officiating. Interment will follow in the Odd Fellows Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Grace Memorial Chapel funeral home of Ponca City, OK. A memorial fund has been established in Jay’s name in care of First National Bank of Ponca City. Casket bearers will be Austin Stephenson, Lee Evans Jr, Chase Mongold, Bryan Hill, Xavier Villalobos and Ryan Rogers. Honorary Bearers are Maddox Underwood and Colby Pugh.