Paul Dion Derrick Sr.

The first thing you noticed about Paul Dion Derrick was his zest for life. He enjoyed each moment to its fullest and encouraged everyone to do the same. The second was his smile, he could light a dreary day or soothe a weary heart in need. Paul was so much to so many —- a husband, brother, nephew, cousin and friend. But Paul’s most valued role was being a father to four boys, who meant the world to him: Paul Dion, Jr., Justin Dewanye, Jonathan Dion and Jordan Dion. One only had to look at a photo of them to see the love and joy being a father produced for Paul. Although his children grieve their loss deeply, they are loved and supported by their mothers: Valerie Pinson, Paul’s first wife, and his current wife of 15 years, Thanica Derrick. Paul’s bond with his siblings was unbreakable through a lifetime of shared experiences and love. Felicia Derrick, Billy Ray Derrick, Joyce Ann Derrick, Paulette Caraway and her husband Melvin Caraway, Christopher Derrick and his wife Catherine and LaTasha Derrick will all carry their brother in their hearts for the rest of their lives. The memory of their bond would be incomplete without the mention of their late mother and the family matron, Rita Diana Derrick, who preceded Paul’s departure in 2010.

The loss of Paul is shared by his father, Otis Williams and Paulette; and Paul’s brother, Bryant M. Maddox; his aunts, Jessie Mae, Velma and Jaunita; his uncle Vernell; as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends, who will cherish their memories of Paul and mourn his untimely departure. His boys say the thing they will miss the most about their father is the quality time they shared: biking around White Rock Lake or working on cars and computers are just a few memories they will cherish. The impact Paul made in the lives of others will ripple throughout time.