Obituary of Hal Derrick

Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories. Donald Harold Derrick, Jr., affectionately known as Hal was truly a beautiful soul. Hal was born in Columbia, SC on May 15, 1957 to Donald H. Derrick, Sr. (Duck) and Roberta Metcalf Derrick, who both preceded him in death. Hal passed away suddenly while resting on his favorite couch on January 31, 2024. He was a man with plans to complete his eagerly anticipated reloading room. No matter what his plans, he used his immeasurable talents to help others. He believed in serving his fellow man and did so in many capacities including his time as a deacon at Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in Gaston, SC.  

Hal loved many things. His love of the mountains was unparalleled, and he never missed an opportunity to travel there. His favorite memories were of backpacking and camping trips taken with his son and grandsons. Surrounded by nature is where he felt closest to God.  

Hal enjoyed being at home in the kitchen or his recliner, surrounded by family he so fiercely loved. He is survived by his high school sweetheart, soulmate and cherished wife of 46 years, Sue Ann Wolfe Derrick and beloved son, Nicholas Lee Derrick and daughter in law Robin. He was called Gral by the grandchildren he so adored and leaves behind BJ Spires, Xander Derrick and Cole Derrick. He is also survived by his brother Robert W. Derrick as well as his extended Derrick and Wolfe family. 

The Derrick family would like to sincerely thank family and friends for the prayers, thoughts, texts, calls, posts, food, and acts of kindness shown to us since Hal’s passing. We covet your prayers and ask that you continue to lift us up in the days to come. 

A celebration of life for Hal will be held at Thompson Funeral Home in Lexington on Monday, February 5th. There will be a period of visitation starting at 1:00 pm followed by services at 2:00 pm. A ceremony for interment of cremains will take place at a later date and will be attended by immediate family only.  

Hal and Sue Ann took immeasurable joy in feeding people, so in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Harvest Hope Food Bank.