William Thomas Underwood, Jr.

William "Will" Thomas Underwood, Jr., age 23, of Ballinger, Texas, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

Will was born on January 30, 2003, in San Angelo, Texas, to William Thomas "Tom" Underwood and Rebecca Sue Waters (Sayles). From an early age, Will had a love for the outdoors and the ranching way of life. He grew up with a cowboy spirit, never shying away from hard work or a new adventure. Whether he was horseback, working cattle, or lending a helping hand wherever he was needed, Will lived life with determination and grit.

He graduated from Ballinger High School in 2021, where he made lifelong friendships. Will never met a stranger. He had a way of making people feel welcome and could always be counted on for a laugh, a helping hand, or simply good company. He truly took life by the horns and lived each day to the fullest.

More than anything, Will loved his family and treasured the time he spent with the love of his life, Autumn Chaka, and their fur babies Newt & Sage. He was a devoted son, a protective brother, and a loyal friend. He brought so much joy to our lives.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, O.L.& Martha Jo Parish, Hazel Antilley, Buck & Cleo Underwood, and W.T. & Vera Archer.

Will leaves behind to cherish his memory his father, William Thomas "Tom" Underwood; his mother, Rebecca “Becky” Waters; his sister, Emma Underwood; the love of his life, Autumn Chaka; as well as his grandparents Wendel & Pamela Underwood, James “Jim” & Peggy Sayles, Bill & Sandra Archer; aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless// friends. Tim & Traci Underwood (Gus & Joleigh); Wes & Dian Underwood (Allie & Sam); Hayley Sayles Pannone (Sadie); Trey & Ashlee Sayles (Burke & Addison).

The family will receive friends at Lange Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 6-8 P.M.

A celebration of Will's life will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 11 A.M. in the chapel of Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, Texas. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jett Byler, Kevin Goodrick, Jeff Quirk, Burke Sayles, Gus Underwood, Sam Underwood, and Robert “Smitty” Smith.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to everyone who has surrounded them with prayers, love, meals, visits, phone calls, and countless acts of kindness during this difficult time.

Though his time on this earth was far too short, he will always be remembered. Every time you see a Texas sunrise or sunset, may you remember Will and the life he lived with courage, strength, and a heart as wide as the Texas sky.