Paul Benjamin Underwood, Jr. Johns Island - Paul Benjamin Underwood, Jr., M.D, of Johns Island, S.C. passed away peacefully on November 4, 2020. Paul was born at home in the Jordan community near Greer, South Carolina on August 8, 1934 to Paul Benjamin Underwood and Gladys Guest Underwood. He attended local schools in the Jordan and Lenoah area, where his father served as a principal, before moving to Greenville in the 7th grade. He graduated from Greenville High School and attended Furman University. At Furman, he was a member of the Pershing Rifles and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After graduating from Furman, he was accepted into the medical school at the Medical College of South Carolina (now MUSC). He graduated from medical school in 1959, where he was a member of the medical honor society Alpha Omega Alpha. Paul completed an internship and then his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at MUSC, and he held a year-long position as a teaching fellow before leaving to serve in the U.S. Navy. Paul served in the Navy for two years at the Bethesda Naval Hospital, advancing to the rank of Lt. Commander. After he was honorably discharged from the Navy, Paul completed a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, and then returned to MUSC as one of the first certified oncologists in the State of South Carolina. In 1979, he left Charleston to become the Chair of the OB/GYN Department at the University of Virginia, a position he held for 20 years until returning to Charleston. After a very brief retirement, he was convinced to rejoin the faculty at MUSC, and he served as a Professor, as the Associate Dean of Admissions and as the Chair of the MUSC Admissions Committee for almost 20 years. He officially retired in 2019 as one of the oldest practicing physicians at MUSC. Paul enjoyed his work as a physician, but his greatest love was his family. He and his wife, Peggy, were married for over sixty years until her passing in 2018. Peggy and Paul were inseparable, and he always credited her as the reason for his long career in medicine. Paul also loved dearly his daughter, Mary, and his son, Ben. Some of his fondest memories were from time spent on family trips out West, or offshore fishing on the family's boat. When he and Peggy returned to Charleston they built a house with Mary and her husband, Doug, where they lived happily together for over 20 years. Paul was excited that Ben and his wife, Kimberly, will be returning to South Carolina from New Mexico. He was blessed to have spent time with his wonderful grandchildren, and to have two great-grandchildren born in 2019, just after his retirement from MUSC. He was very proud that his grandson, Ben Muller, joined the OB/GYN Department at MUSC as a maternal-fetal medicine fellow this year. Paul was devoted to his colleagues at MUSC, who are too numerous to name, and he very much appreciated their friendship and support. He was an active mentor to countless medical students and physicians throughout his life. He especially enjoyed teaching medical students and residents how to properly diagnose patients and how to perform surgery. Paul was actively involved in numerous medical groups. He was the President of the American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society and the American Gynecological Club, and he chaired the Gynecologic Oncology Subcommittee of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Paul was a member of the South Atlantic Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and he received that group's Lifetime Achievement Award. For over twenty years, he was an examiner for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in both the OB/GYN specialty and the Gynecologic Oncology sub-specialty. He was a founding member of THEGOS, an OB/GYN residents society at MUSC and he was a founding member and the President of a similar group, the Felix Rutledge Society, at M.D. Anderson in Houston. For his service as a physician, Paul received a variety of awards, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from MUSC and the Order of the Palmetto from the State of South Carolina. He was honored to have the Humanism Society at MUSC's medical school named in his honor, as well as a fully-endowed faculty chair in his name in the OB/GYN Department at MUSC. Paul is survived by his children: Paul Benjamin Underwood, III (Kimberly) of Aiken, SC and Mary Underwood Muller (Doug) of Johns Island, SC; his grandchildren: Benjamin Muller (Morgan) of Johns Island, SC; Jacquilyn Underwood Mata (Kale) of Phoenix, AZ, and Olivia and Henry Vicena of Cincinnati, OH; and by his great-grandchildren: Margaret Frances Muller and Hardin Benjamin Mata. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a Humanism in Medicine support fund at the Medical University of South Carolina for a newly established scholarship named in his honor. Checks should be made payable to "MUSC Foundation," 18 Bee Street, MSC 450, Charleston, SC 29425 with a notation that the donation is designated for the Paul B. Underwood, M.D. Humanism Scholarship. The scholarship is intended to benefit medical students who demonstrate Paul's traits of humanism and compassion, and it will provide a lasting legacy to future generations of physicians. Due to COVID-19 a private service will be attended by immediate family only and a memorial service will be held at MUSC at a later date when social distancing restrictions are lifted. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, West Ashley Chapel, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, Charleston, SC 29414. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Nov. 7 to Nov. 8, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Underwood

Sponsored by J. Henry Stuhr West Ashley Chapel.

20 Entries

Alice B Hambright

August 12, 2024

Dr. Underwood saved my life.

During an exam he noticed a dark spot on my arm and sent me straight to a dermatologist. It was a developing melanoma in situ. If I had continued to ignore it, it would have killed me.

A few years later, Dr. Underwood was the person who congratulated me when I reached menopause.

I moved from the Charleston area in 2017. It saddens me to read that he has passed away. He was an extraordinary, caring physician. This world is a little duller without him.

Carolyn McCabe

December 7, 2020

I just found out about Dr. Underwood's passing and am so very sad. I was his patient several years ago and frankly he saved my life. With a twinkle in his eye he told me, "you are going to hug me around the neck when this works, aren't you?" I did. He will be missed. He was so special to me.

Andrea Shrader

November 16, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Underwood's passing. I enjoyed seeing him every week at work and I miss our weekly talks. He was committed and so happy to teach the Obgyn students every Friday.I admired his passion for teaching and his family.
My condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed.

MaryAnn Back

November 13, 2020

Praying for all the family. Uncle Paul was an amazing man. I will never forget our family get together. It was the best ever!

Bob Brown, Sr.

November 13, 2020

Regrettably, I hardly knew Dr. Underwood, but I observed him enough as a colleague at UVA to greatly admire and respect him. To me, he seemed calm, caring, and competent and always with a difficult to describe sense of humility. UVA loved him! May God abundantly bless his family.

Robert S. Brown, Sr., MD, PhD

Debbie and Jamey Carter

James Carter

November 9, 2020

So many memories of Paul from encouraging me as a medical student to becoming my friend, colleague and Surgical Partner in the Operating Room at MUSC. His kindness, his love of family and love of his fellow man always drew me to him. I later became a Professor of Ob/Gyn myself, but ALWAYS considered him my mentor. One of the finest men that walked the earth has left us and the world is not as good a place without him. I know, however, that Paul is now with his Beloved Peggy once again...and Heaven is rejoicing. God Bless all the Underwoods...well done my good and faithful servant. It was an honor and privilege to know you, Paul...and to call you my Friend...

Catherine Zuver

November 9, 2020

I worked with Dr. Underwood the whole time he was at The University of Virginia and we had many wonderful and some hard times- he was always a gentleman. And we loved hearing him say "Shugah". It was also a delight to get to know Peggy. I hated to see him leave us, but he LOVED Charleston!
I know he is resting in peace! I will always remember him with love!
Catherine Zuver

Anquinette Gadson

November 9, 2020

To: The Underwood Family

I was sadden to hear of Dr. Underwood's passing. He will be greatly missed. Anyone who came in contact with him, experienced his genuine love, kindness and wonderful sense of humor. He was truly one of a kind. I will keep the entire Underwood family in my thoughts and prayers.

Rev. John S. Sosnowski

November 9, 2020

No doubt this very special Underwood family will receive more loving remembrances of Dr. Paul than they will be able to read in any one sitting. I did not know him as well as I would have liked. My father and mother Dick and Elizabeth Sosnowski were devoted friends and, my Dad, a devoted colleague. Dr. Underwood was one characterized as thoughtful, caring, faithful, and giving. He surely achieved greatness in his professional life. However, what he will be remembered for is the husband, father, friend, and mentor he was to so many.
You, his family, remain in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Rev. John S. Sosnowski

Raymond DuBois

November 9, 2020

Paul was an outstanding clinician, educator and humanitarian. He loved working with students and residents here at MUSC. He will be sorely missed at the College of Medicine and someone we will remember for decades to come.

Condolences,

Ray DuBois
Dean of Medicine at MUSC

Kirsti Nevin

November 8, 2020

I had the true honor of learning from Dr. Underwood during my years at UVA. He embodied all qualities that make an outstanding physician and teacher. He was skilled, compassionate and patient; an absolute gentleman with a true kindness for all he met.
He will be missed greatly by so many.

Kirsti Nevin
former resident

JoAnn Pinkerton Pinkerton

November 8, 2020

Paul was an inspiration to all of us at the University of Virginia. Always remembers as a Southern Gentleman. He was my first Chair, friend and colleague and will be sorely missed.

Sending lots of love to his famiy.

JoAnn Pinkerton

Diane Dufour Brumley

November 8, 2020

I am so sorry to read of Dr Underwood's passing. I had the privilege of being a colleague of his and also being one of his many patients. He was so kind and gentle helping my pediatric oncology team years ago when we would have a young child with gynecological tumors- in the days before we had pediatric teams trained in this area. On a personnel note ~ he was so kind and helpful to me when my husband passed away many at age 50.
Sincere sympathy to all of his family. He certainly will be missed by many!

Diantha McKeel

November 8, 2020

Sending love and sympathy to Paul and Peggy's Charleston "family" from a member of their Charlottesville/UVA "family". Working as Paul's practice nurse for way over a decade was a privilege, professionally stimulating and rewarding, and often just plain fun! Thanks for the memories.

Nancy Lambert

November 8, 2020

Dr. Underwood saved my life in 1990 when I was a patient of his at The University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia. On my first visit, he told me about my cancer, outlined a treatment plan and all went exactly as he predicted. He was always kind and generous with his time and medical knowledge. I will always remember and admire him for his competency and lifesaving skills and talents. Rest In Peace Dr. Underwood.

Martha Smith

November 8, 2020

I knew Dr Underwood both at MUSC and the VA Hospital. What a kind person and physician. He was always such a gentleman. I can still hear him enthusiastically say during his surgery cases We got it! as he assisted a colleague. My condolences for your loss of such a wonderful person.

Paul McDermott

November 8, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss. It was an honor and privilege to be Dr. Underwood's colleague and to have him as a friend. I especially loved talking fishing with him!

Susan Lemacks

November 8, 2020

Sorry for your lost I was a patient of Dr Underwood's he was a great Doctor and Man God Bless

Kara Kreutner Montgomery

November 8, 2020

Dr. Underwood and his family were wonderful neighbors and friends to our family in Creekside in the 1970s. My late parents Albert and Karen were colleagues of his at MUSC. Mom served with Dr. Underwood in the Department of OBGYN and considered him an outstanding friend and colleague. His daughter Mary even babysat for us, four boys and a girl just down the street. I know that both of my parents thought the world of Dr. and Mrs. Underwood, Ben and Mary. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Floyd Putney

November 7, 2020

Condolences and sympathy to the Underwood family. Paul was a gifted teacher and mentor while I was a medical student at MUSC and even more revered as as teacher, humanitarian, and role model during and after my residency in OB-GYN thee. He had the rare gift of approaching patient care with skill, knowledge, compassion, and common sense. He communicated with his patients in a manner I wished I could live up to. I can without hesitation state that he was the best teacher I ever had as well as being one of the most skilled surgeons anywhere. Whenever I hear "Jingle Bells", I smile, remembering his rendition of that song during delicate and sometimes tricky dissections. He is sorely missed.

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