Derek was a son, husband, father and grandfather who loved his family. Derek worked in the computer field and business, attended college once to become a teacher. While in college, he went into the military and served in the Air Force for several years. He had plenty of friends who went into the military with him. They went into different branches.
Derek lived in Baltimore, MD before moving back to Springfield, MA where he continued his career and attended several schools. He attended UMass and STCC College.
He later married his best friend and soulmate, Karen Lee, and with this union they reunited four children and grandchildren. Later they moved to the South where they settled in Charlotte, NC.
He loved traveling and playing games on the computer, playing chess against friends and enjoyed playing cards and winning. He was very competitive. He loved sports – football and basketball. He nurtured his grandchildren in playing games on the computer which lead them to maintain interest.
Derek believed in God and attended Brookland Baptist Church in South Carolina. He loved to sing in church until he was unable. He also loved BMW cars and casual dressing in hot weather. He always got his famous haircut from his barber who always became his friend.
Derek was the son of Justine Gray of Springfield, MA and the late Randolph Hall. He is survived by his wife Karen Hall; his children LaThasia Lee Shaibazz, Larry M. Lee, Derek Johnson and Kimothy Yvette Hall , and his mother, Justine Gray, of Springfield, MA. Also surviving are grandchildren Jarvis Lee, Alton Lee, Naseem Lee Shabazz and Desmond Pryce. His surviving siblings in Baltimore, MD are Tammy Hall, Marilyn Kelly, Annette Moses, Leon Miller and siblings in Springfield, MA Gail Howard, Bernadette Bruce, Craig Williams, Christopher Williams and Justine Williams. Many other family members are in Texas, Georgia and New York.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, June 5, 2021, at 3:00 pm with military honors at McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210. You may also view the service on Facebook Live at McEwen Funeral Service - Pineville Chapel.
Online condolences may be left at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com
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