Lloyd Terrell Derrick

Lloyd Terrell Derrick (Penny) “WWII Veteran” Balsam - Lloyd Derrick, 93, passed away at home following a valiant battle with lung cancer. Born December 28, 1921 to Arthur Newman Derrick and Nina Belle McCall Derrick. He was preceded in death by brothers; Fred (Pat), Charlie, Walter and Robert Derrick. Also, sisters; Ruby Revis, Iris Peebles, and Clara Mehaffey. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy Brooks Derrick of the home. Surviving also are daughters, Brenda Cagle of Whittier and Doreen and Sam Jones of Chester, SC; sister, Annie Ruff of Hazelwood; one granddaughter, Misty Ball and two great grandchildren. Lloyd was a decorated combat veteran of World War II. He served in the 893rd Tank Destroyer Battalion from landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day to the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal for uncommon valor in France after the liberation of Paris. After WWII, Lloyd worked at A.C. Lawrence Leatherwood Co. in Hazelwood until he retired in 1983. Lloyd was an outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He mined rubies and panned for gold. He taught himself how to cut gemstones and how to make jewelry. He enjoyed many years of metal detecting and found some interesting treasures. He made friends wherever he went. Lloyd had ancestors on both sides of his family that served in the Civil War. He was a proud member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Jackson Rangers, Sylva. He was able to participate in many grave dedications for Civil War soldiers. He was also awarded the Military Cross of Service bestowed by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Chapter 104, Asheville, NC. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at Garrett Funeral Home with the Reverend Johnny Swanger officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 7 to 9 PM at the funeral home. Military graveside rites will be held following services at Balsam Baptist Church Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Ryan McElroy, Johnny Hoyle, David Glavich, Brian Knight, Graham Ebaugh, Don Ebaugh, Thomas McCall, and Melburn Knight. The family would like to express appreciation for the Westcare Hospice of Jackson County for their service. A Message of comfort may be left to the family and guest registry may be signed at www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com