On Saturday, May 27, 1972, in Detroit, MI (The D), under the sign of Gemini the world was graced with a vessel that God was very intentional when making, Derrick Keith Gladney. Derrick was born to Oscar Carl (O.C.) Gladney and Mable Gladney and was the final patch added to their marvelous quilt called family.
Derrick enjoyed spending quality time with his parents, whether it was watching the latest sports on television with his dad or chatting it up about life with his mom.
He was the grandson of Fred Gladney, Jr. and Lannie Lee Gladney and Jessie James Burton and Mable Burton (Ma Bell). Derrick had a special story about each of his grandparents and spoke of them often.
Derrick attended George Ford Elementary where he met many of his lifelong friends, Dwight, Dwayne, Craig, Anthony, Anthony (Deon), Terrance, Ernest, Les, and Cataire. His middle school experience came through Saint Brigid Catholic School.
Derrick took fashion cues from no one. His signature everyday look was all his and, this became more evident with each step he took down the halls of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School where he donned fashions ripped right out of the 1988 GQ Magazine - - - He was Fresh to Def! And, it did not stop there, the day he stepped on the campus of The Jackson State University (JSU), he led the charge to let everyone know that Detroit represented Fila, Adidas, Pelle Pelle, Coogi and other designers that were only rumored to exist in other parts of the country. He was so dope, he’d flip that Fila visor upside down, raise his head high and greeted everyone with a slight head nod.
Derrick met two of his best friends at JSU, Marvin Newson and George Canady (Que) who happened to be from Michigan as well. The number of friends continued to grow and Prentiss Davis (Detroiter) and so many others were added.
It was at Jackson State that he jumped in the car with two ladies he was familiar with to go to Bully’s Restaurant to enjoy some soul food, more specifically some smothered neckbones that he met his wife of 20-years (September 2019), Yulunda. Yulunda graduated from JSU and headed to Detroit and when Derrick returned to “The D”, he looked her up and was promptly invited to attend church. He gradually declined but soon followed up on the offer and graced the tenor section belting out glorious songs like, “Rock of Ages,” “Total Praise,” and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Derrick “Luh God” and would let it be known. He’d be the one to ask, “You don’t luh God? What’s wrong with chu?” :)
To their union, two beautifully blessed children were born, Donovan Kristian Gladney and DeAnna Kapri Gladney and, Derrick was involved in every area of their lives from PTA meetings to being the first parent to sign up for field trips, coaching baseball, attending DeAnna’s volleyball events, Donovan’s national/local baseball games, school performances and more. Derrick treasured the fur baby, Milo who he would cuddle and love on all the time. HE LOVED HIS FAMILY!
Derrick loved and admired his two sisters Tracey (Gary) and Carla (Anthony) and especially loved pouring into and adored their children (who were like his children): nephew De’Andrey (Rasheda), nephew Carl, niece Airelle, nephew Anthony Brock, Jr., nephew Demetrius, great niece, Cari, great niece Cali Brielle, and great nephew Darrell, Jr.
Derrick was the beloved son-in-law of Bobbie Thomas (“Ma”) and brother-in-law of Latonja Thomas (“T”). Derrick enjoyed playing dominoes with his father-in-law Roy (deceased) and family regularly.
Derrick had a village of aunts and uncles who poured into him in their own special way and many traveled far and wide to be with him during his most challenging time. His uncle, William Isacc Burton, Sr. (Sharon) was always on speed dial and he would always answer. He was pivotal in helping the family to transition to the West Coast.
Derrick has many cousins that were dear to his heart, in fact, they weren’t cousins at all but brothers and sisters who he admired, appreciated, and loved to spend quality time with. He had a special relationship with each of them. His cousin, James Burton attended Derrick’s first chemo treatment and made frequent visits to Las Vegas from L.A., as well as his cousin William Isacc Burton, Jr. who’d travel from Michigan to surprise him.
His God sister Denean (LaShunda) visited him many times during his final months of life.
Scientific Games (SG), his work family were second to none, it was there that he was adopted as a brother by Tony Evans. Derrick absolutely enjoyed working with Tina, Mary, and his Filipino angels (who cooked for him daily), Mike and Danielle who made sure his job role was secure, and so many others and was proud to say that SG was his only employer since his plane landed in Las Vegas eight years ago.
Derrick loved all sports but, he nurtured his son’s love for baseball and as a result, the Gladney family became a part of some dynamic baseball communities from Detroit to Vegas. The high school (Rancho Rams) and club ball team (Nevada Road Dawgs) were his absolute favorites.
Derrick never met a stranger, everyone was family. He was certainly one of the coolest, if not the coolest cats (he was born in the 70’s) to grace the earth and, he did it well and with confidence that could and should be sold on the shelves of the finest retailers. The fear of fitting in never settled in his spirit and his determination shone through brightly - - - He was a godly star.
Derrick will be missed in the flesh but, his spirit will dwell on through eternity which is our true-life achievement. Yes, his life song has ended but, his melody will play on forever. #RealTruthEnoughSaid
