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On October 19, 2021, while at his home and surrounded by his beloved family, Paul Ray Derrick, age 76, proudly of Gilbert, SC, departed this earth and entered the gates of Heaven.
He was born the youngest son of five children to Colie Blease, Sr. and Evelyn G. Derrick on December 10, 1944. He is survived by his wife of 56½ years, and the love of his life, JoAnn “Josey” Derrick, children: Mike (Hope) Derrick and Rita (Jason) DeCarlis all of Gilbert. He was an adored “Pop” to his seven grandchildren, Haleigh (Chris) McCartha, Michaela Derrick (fiancé Ryan Lamm), Kaitlyn DeCarlis, Garrett Paul DeCarlis, Joshua Howard, Colby Howard & Rece Howard; and three great grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, J.O. “Tee” Derrick and sister, Lula Faye Derrick. He was predeceased by his father and mother, as well as brothers Colie, Jr. and William “Tiny” Derrick.
Paul Ray served in the United States Army, from April 1968 - April 1970, which included a tour to Vietnam. His career consisted of insulation work, where he ended that career with Randy Derrick of Derrick Insulation. In his later years, Paul Ray could be found around the Town of Gilbert (always throwing his hand up to wave and greet others) on the John Deere tractor where he served as the first maintenance engineer.
He loved his hometown of Gilbert and took great pride in beautifying the town for many years. He seldom faced a challenge that he could not accomplish and always gave 120%. Always willing to lend a helping hand to someone in need, he would give the shirt off his back to help another. In his free time he enjoyed cheering on the Clemson Tigers, camping, traveling and spending time with his family, his pride and joy.
Paul Ray was a simple man with a heart of gold; his remarkable genuineness and tireless hard work was only matched by his compassion and willingness to help others. He was a jack of all trades, able to fix, build, or repair anything. He especially found joy in serving his family by building a plethora of precious homemade treasures including a Barbie doll house, monster truck ramps, a framed home run ball case, countless real estate sign posts crafted to perfection, as well as completing the insulation on his grandchild’s new home. Whatever his family desired to do, he was always there to support, help and teach. Along with his constant devotion, he had a love for small engine repair and always had his eye out for a good looking 57 Chevrolet. Above all else, and most importantly, he was a man of God.
Arrangements are being made by Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Historic Batesburg-Leesville Chapel. Services will be conducted by Pastor Jud Hook and Pastor Jeff McCartney and held at 2:00pm on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Crossroads Baptist Church, 525 Main Street, Gilbert, South Carolina 29054. A graveside service, with military honors, will follow at First Baptist Church of Gilbert Cemetery, Broad Street. After graveside, the family will receive friends and family at Crossroads Baptist Church. For safety and consideration of others, the family requests that masks be worn during all services.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to all for their thoughts, especially prayers, food, support and love throughout Daddy’s battle with cancer. The family also recognizes and appreciates the tremendous loving care of Dr. Peyton Foust and his team, Dr. Chelsea Stillwell’s team, in particular, Liz, at Lexington Oncology and Jacque and Tracy with Amedisys Hospice. Daddy’s attitude from the time of diagnosis was, “God’s Got This” and we are rejoicing in the fact that now God’s got him for eternity. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Crossroads Baptist Church of Gilbert, (Youth Retreat in Memory of Paul Ray Derrick) 525 Main Street, Gilbert, SC or any charity of your choosing.
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