John Christopher Underhill, beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather, passed away on February 1, 2025. He was born on August 10, 1950, in Wake County to Mary Mitchner Underhill and Wilbur Underhill.

Chris is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; his brother, Don Underhill; his children, Mitchiner Underhill, David and Leigh Hughes, Daniel and Christine Hughes, and Nora Blankenship; and his grandson, Asher Hughes Blankenship.

A proud North Carolinian, Chris grew up in Wendell and attended Vaden Whitley High School before earning his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina. He further pursued his passion for faith and service by obtaining a Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School in Massachusetts. After spending several years in New England, he returned to the South in 1981 and dedicated the remainder of his career to the North Carolina Employment Security Commission, where he worked until his retirement in 2016.

Chris had a deep love for the outdoors and a heart for service. An avid hiker, he explored trails up and down the East Coast, finding peace and joy in nature. His commitment to conservation and education led him to volunteer extensively first as a Boy Scout leader for his son Mitch's troop, then as a docent at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and also as a DJ for WCPE classical radio. In his later years, he found a true calling at Prairie Ridge Ecostation, where he lovingly tended gardens and assisted with outdoor education programs.

One of his greatest passions was his work with the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, where he played an active role in building and maintaining sections of the beloved trail. Even in the months leading up to his illness, Chris remained dedicated to preserving and enhancing North Carolina's natural beauty.

Chris was also a passionate cook, especially when it came to Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue. He took pride in slow-cooking pork, perfecting the balance of smoke and vinegar just the way it should be. A devoted Tar Heel fan through and through, he still set aside his Carolina blue loyalty once a year to cook barbecue for David, Daniel, and their tailgate friends before an NC State football game.

Faith was the cornerstone of Chris' life. A devoted member of Penny Road Church of the Nazarene, he served in many capacities over the years, most notably as a pianist and vocalist in the Praise Team. His love for music and worship was a reflection of his deep faith and love for God.

Chris' life will be celebrated at Penny Road Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, February 8, at 11:00 AM, with a luncheon to follow in the fellowship hall. His legacy of kindness, service, and love for family, nature, and barbecue will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.