Independents

Bill Underwood of Underwoods Jewelers Dies at 90

IndependentsApr 06, 2023

Bill Underwood of Underwoods Jewelers Dies at 90

The former American Gem Society president is remembered as an industry icon and a beloved mentor.

20230406_Bill Underwood.jpg
William “Bill” Underwood, founder of Underwoods Jewelers and former AGS president, died April 2 at age 90.
Fayetteville, Ark.—William “Bill” Underwood, founder of Underwoods Jewelers and former American Gem Society president, died April 2 from cancer.
 
He was 90.
 
Underwood was born in 1932 to Mildred and Robert G. Underwood in Mountain View, Oklahoma, in the midst of the Great Depression, according to his online obituary.
 
He earned a degree in horology from Southwestern State College, then joined the Navy, serving for four years.
 
With help from the G.I. Bill, Underwood went back to school, earning a business degree from the University of Arkansas.
 
Two pivotal moments in his life would soon take place in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
 
He met his wife, LeAnn, whom he married in 1958, and, armed with a $1,000 loan, he started Underwoods Jewelers.
 
He built the business from the ground up and continued his education along the way. He was part of the first class in the U.S. to earn the designation of Certified Gemologist Appraiser.
 
Underwood was a longtime member of AGS, serving as its president from 1988 to 1990.
 
“The AGS community has lost a true icon,” said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of AGS.
 
“Bill made a significant and positive impact on our community, and his involvement with AGS was greatly valued. We will always remember his dedication, leadership, and passion for AGS and the industry. Bill will be deeply missed, and his memory will continue to inspire us.”
 
His son, Craig Underwood, is the current president of Underwoods Jewelers, and has also served as president of the association. 
 
Cathy Calhoun of Calhoun Jewelers recalled to National Jeweler the day she met Underwood at her first AGS Conclave event in Washington, D.C., more than thirty years ago.
 
He spotted her in the lobby and joked that she looked lost. She was, she admitted, as she was new to the industry at the time. Underwood showed her the ropes and took her under his wing, a kindness she still remembers.
 
“He really made me feel like I was part of something. That started years of friendship,” she said.
 
“I’m heartbroken,” said Calhoun. “He had the largest personality with the biggest, most inviting smile, of anyone I’ve ever met. When you saw him, he made you feel like you were instantly friends.”
 
Underwood was inducted into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame in 1991.
 
He was an active member of his community, joining the Central United Methodist Church and various organizations, including the Fayetteville Civil Service Commission, the Rotary Club, and the Freemasons.
 
Bill and LeAnn Underwood were behind several gifts to the community, including the Sam M. Walton Honor Lab at the University of Arkansas, the Underwood Garden gift to the Walton Arts Center, and the media room at the Fayetteville Public Library. 
 
In 2004, he was named “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Sam M. Walton College of Business. In 2019, the school awarded him the Citation of Distinguished Alumnus Award.
 
In addition to his jewelry business, Underwood was a pilot for 60 years, a recreational joy he shared with family and friends.
 
Underwood is survived by his wife, LeAnn; his son Craig Underwood and his wife Laura; his daughter Michelle Gass and her husband Barry; his daughter Vicki Nelson and her husband Kurt; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
 
He was preceded in death by his brother, John David Underwood.
 
The family is holding a celebration of his life today at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville.
 
In lieu of flowers, his family is requesting donations be made to the University of Arkansas Walton College of Business or the Walton Arts Center.
 
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Woman’s hand holding shopping bags
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

Dakota Johnson as Roberto Coin Brand Ambassador
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
Dakota Johnson Is Roberto Coin’s New Brand Ambassador

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

Mason Kay Jade necklace
GradingJun 03, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade Adds ‘Fei Cui’ to Jade Reports

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

DCA-student-cert-NJ1872x1052-2.png
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry Business

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

Gemfields ruby
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat Ruby

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Weekly QuizMay 30, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Adobe Stock image of skyline of Bangkok, Thailand
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Seaman Schepps pearl earrings
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

David Allouche
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein Diamonds

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Zoë Chicco Bracelets
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable Environment

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ Necklace

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs Invalid

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

Britney Spears
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry Line

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Inoveo Platinum Grain image.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 29, 2025
Inoveo Platinum Grain, Exclusively Distributed by Stuller

Sponsored by Stuller

Grizzly Mining Pilala emerald
SourcingMay 29, 2025
Grizzly Auctions 6,620-Carat Emerald

It was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.

GemFind Logo
TechnologyMay 29, 2025
GemFind Launches AI Product Description Software

GemText AI uses artificial intelligence to generate tailored product titles, descriptions, and tags with jewelry-specific language.

Graff Fontainebleau Las Vegas
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Graff Unveils New Las Vegas Flagship

The 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.

Kim Kardashian
CrimeMay 28, 2025
8 Convicted in Kim Kardashian Jewelry Heist Trial

Aging and with myriad health issues, none will serve time for their roles in robbing the billionaire celebrity at gunpoint in 2016.

New York Liberty 2024 WNBA Championship Ring
CollectionsMay 28, 2025
NY Liberty’s 2024 Championship Rings Honor Historic Win

The WNBA team received rings imbued with meaning, from leaf motifs and its Liberty torch to the number of diamonds used.

Jewelers Board of Trade logo
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Andrew Rickard Named JBT President

A longtime executive at RDI Diamonds, Rickard has served on the JBT board for the past five years.

Logos for Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America and Jewelers of America
MajorsMay 27, 2025
MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America

The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

Al Capone Pocket Watch
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
Al Capone’s Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Back Up for Auction

The platinum and diamond watch is part of Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches sale.

Kat Florence Lumina
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Sells for $487K

Recovered in Mozambique, “The Kat Florence Lumina” was part of Bonhams’ Hong Kong jewelry auction held last week.

Mark Henry Gumdrop Bypass Ring
TrendsMay 27, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Candy-Colored Gemstones

Get a taste of the delicious candy-like gemstones in this Amanda’s Style File.

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
CrimeMay 23, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in Burglaries

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

Bliss Lau Bright Ring
CollectionsMay 23, 2025
Piece of the Week: Bliss Lau’s ‘Bright’ Ring

From Lau’s “Love of a Kind” series, the engagement ring was inspired by the moon and holds a different meaning depending on how it is worn.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy