He was born in Lynchburg on June 26, 1981, son of Ronald V. and Wanda E. Hamlet. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Vernard and Julia Hamlet and his maternal grandparents, Roy and June Eggleston.
Derek was a one of a kind soul, his joy and laugh were infectious. He excelled at all he did whether it was sports, like golf, wrestling, baseball or backyard cornhole or inventing new games and creating beautiful jewelry artwork and woodwork. Derek was very talented in so many ways. He was loved by so many as he touched everyone’s lives he met. He was a loving husband, son and brother and an amazing uncle to his nieces and nephews, but most of all a wonderful father.
In addition to his wife and his parents, Derek is survived by a son, Tristan Hamlet; 2 sisters, Heather Alto (Chris) and Heidi Haney (Chase); 8 nieces and nephews, Autumn Myers (Corey), Hunter Alto, Sylas Haney, Ryleigh Alto, Colby Haney, Zach Palmer, Carter Palmer, and Emma Palmer. He is also survived by his longtime loyal canine companion, Labelle.
A celebration of life for Derek, will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, October 9, 2020 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel with Pastor Tom Bryant officiating. The service will be live streamed via Facebook. To view the service by streaming, go to www.Facebook.com/WhittenFuneralHome The family will receive friends following the service until 5:30 pm and other times at the home of his parents.
When attending services, please maintain social distancing and wear a mask for everyone’s safety.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donation’s to the Go Fund Me page that has been set up for the benefit of Derek’s son, Tristan. https://gf.me/u/y325fr
