Obituary of Derek W. Fricke

Mr. Derek W. Fricke lost his fight with cancer. He passed peacefully in North Carolina on January 7th, 2020 at the age of 35.

Derek is survived by his parents, April and James Hightower of Lafollette, TN; his siblings, Brandon Fricke (Jamie) of Harrogate, TN, Ann Bellamy (Jay) of Augusta, GA, and Cory Hightower of Lafollette, TN; nieces and nephews, Patience Bellamy, GA, Kayleigh Fricke, TN, Jay Bellamy, GA, Brian Bellamy, GA, and Liam Fricke, TN. He is preceded in death by Bo Christensen and Charlene Christensen.

Derek was born on October 15th, 1984 in Hancock, MS, to April Hightower. He graduated from UNC Charlotte with a degree in Engineering. He was the type of person that was kind and driven, who encouraged everyone to pursue their goals and to JUST KEEP PUSHING.

Derek was an accomplished Engineer. He was generous, witty, dedicated; just an absolute goofball. He was an individual who loved to travel, loved music and art. He was passionate about understanding how everything worked and then re-designing it just “Because he could make it better.” He loved educating people, and walking someone through how to do things. He took pride in seeing others doing well.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for February 21st, 2020 from 5pm to 7pm at Thompson Funeral Home, 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington SC 29073. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Derek’s life.

Please send flowers to Thompson Funeral Home, 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington SC 29073. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.thompsonsfuneral.com.

The family would like to thank everyone that shared a part of their lives with Derek.