Dereick Carson Aiken

Dereick (Dinky) Carson Aiken of Lenoir passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, February 18th at his home. He was born March 26, 1970 in Caldwell County. He was preceded in death by his parents Barry and Lola W. Aiken of Lenoir.

He faced many health challenges throughout his life, meeting each one with quiet strength and resilience. Despite his struggles, he will be remembered most for his warm spirit and generous heart. He greatly enjoyed visiting with family, friends, and attending Waterlife Church in Lenoir. He had a gift for making others feel welcome — whether offering a drink, sharing a meal, or calling to check in on them. His kindness was simple, genuine, and deeply felt by all who knew him. His laughter, everyday acts of kindness, and sense of humor created lasting memories for friends, family, and neighbors alike.

He leaves behind his brother Chris and wife Janet Aiken of Hudson; nephew Ethan and wife Amanda with children Josiah and Amelia Aiken of Lenoir; niece Emily Aiken of Hudson; uncle Edward (Eddie) Watson and wife Paula of Florida; aunts Joann Lutz and husband Melvin of Boiling Springs, Carla Hampton of Lenoir, Phyllis Nellis of Taylorsville, Deborah (Debbie) Ammons and husband Glenn of Taylorsville, Elaine Woodruff of Taylorsville, Carol Worthen of Granite Falls, and Beverly Shook and husband Steve of Lenoir; his little buddy Wyatt Shook; many cousins and extended family; and special friends Harold and Lynn Coy; along with his constant companion, his yorkie Honey.

A service to honor his life will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 11:30 AM in the Pendrys Funeral Home Chapel in Lenoir, officiated by Pastor Sam Craven. The family will receive friends for an hour prior, from 10:30 AM until 11:30 AM.

Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Park in Lenoir. Pallbearers will be Glenn Ammons, Randy Meredith, Steve Shook, Travis Shook, Brian Watson, Trey Westmoreland, and honorary pallbearer Harold Coy.

In lieu of flowers and in his memory, loved ones are encouraged to share a meal, offer kindness to a neighbor, or extend a hand to someone in need— just as he always did.