There are men who build businesses…
and there are men who build legacies.
Roy Underwood was both.
Before Misty Mountain Inc. ever existed, before product lines, distributors, and innovation in the pond industry—there was a man with vision, conviction, and a deep-rooted belief that things could be done better.
In 1992, that vision took form as Peach State Fish Farm, a humble beginning that would, just four years later, grow into what is now known as Misty Mountain Incorporated.
But to understand Roy Underwood, you have to look beyond the company.
A Life of Leadership and Conviction
Long before he became a pioneer in the pond and water treatment industry, Roy was a man deeply engaged in his community and his country.
In 1976, he stepped forward as a candidate for the United States Congress, driven by a desire to serve and make a difference.
Years later, in 1989, he continued that calling as a candidate for the Georgia State House of Representatives.
Leadership was never a title to him.
It was a responsibility.
An Innovator Ahead of His Time
Roy was not content with simply following the market—he helped to shape it.
Throughout his career, he developed and introduced products that would go on to influence the entire pond industry. Many of the solutions pond owners rely on today trace their origins back to his work.
Among them:
- Advanced water treatments such as Dechlorinator Plus
- Waste-reducing solutions like Sludge Away
- And groundbreaking filtration and purification technologies
His work in ultraviolet water purification extended far beyond backyard ponds.
One of his most remarkable contributions was a UV-based water purification system that was designed to recycle water in extreme environments and was ultimately placed aboard the International Space Station, where it continues to serve to this day.
His ideas didn’t just improve ponds.
They reached beyond this world.
A Builder of Something Greater
While Roy built companies and created products, those who knew him best will tell you that that was never his greatest achievement.
He was a devoted husband.
A proud father.
A deeply loved grandfather.
He is survived by his children:
- Michael Underwood-Boyer and his wife Chrisi
- Mark Underwood and his wife Laurie
- Mandy Sherrell and her husband Dexter
He was preceded in passing by his daughter:
- Robin Underwood in 2018
He was also the proud grandfather of:
Colby Collins, Olivia Robinson, Carin Hatchett, Madeline Merriman, Aaron Underwood, Jocelin Welch, Bethany Holloway, and Michaela Boyer—as well as many beloved great-grandchildren.
The Legacy He Leaves Behind
Today, Misty Mountain Inc. stands as a continuation of Roy’s vision.
Every product, every formula, every system we produce carries a piece of the foundation he laid.
His work ethic.
His ingenuity.
His unwillingness to settle for “good enough.”
And while the industry has changed—and others have followed paths he helped carve—his influence remains unmistakable.
A Final Word
To the world, Roy Underwood was a businessman, an innovator, and a leader.
To us… he was Daddy.
And while we continue the work he began, we do so not just in his memory, but in honor of the standard he set.
One of excellence.
One of integrity.
One of legacy.
— The Family of Roy Underwood
Misty Mountain Incorporated
Leave a Reply