Vernon W. Derrick

Mr. Vernon Worth Derrick

Aiken, SC – A graveside service for Mr. Vernon Worth Derrick, age 95, will be held 9:30am Friday, May 6, 2022 at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Graniteville.  A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00am Friday, May 6, 2022 at St. John’s United Methodist Church, Aiken with Rev. Dr. Timothy McClendon and Rev. David Bauknight officiating.  Military honors will be presented to the family in memory of Mr. Derrick at the church by the U.S. Army Ceremonial Team.  Mr. Derrick moved from his earthly residence into his heavenly home on Monday, May 2, 2022.  He was the beloved husband of the late Mrs. Erlene Hoffman Derrick and a son of the late Mr. Page Derrick and the late Mrs. Katie Chapman Derrick.  Vernon was born in Irmo, SC and made Aiken County his home for the past 63 years.  He was a Special Services Technician for Southern Bell/Bellsouth/AT&T stationed in the Laurens Street office in Aiken, SC for 36 years and retired in 1988.  “Shorty”, as he was known by his co-workers, was recognized as the Life Member Club President from 1990-91 of the Telephone Pioneers of America.  Vernon was a veteran of WWII having served in the U.S. Army in Korea.  He enjoyed fishing, a good round of golf, square dancing with the Carolina Squares, bowling and the Atlanta Braves Baseball.  He spent many years serving at St. John’s Methodist by cooking/serving Thanksgiving meals, driving the church bus for youth & senior trips, singing in the men’s choir, volunteering with Salkehatchie and serving as an usher.  He was a Scout Master with the Boy Scouts and volunteered as a chaperon and bus driver for many scout adventures.  Vernon became known as Pops after his grandson David was born.  Pops and David became inseparable after his beloved wife passed in 2001.  Pops was always willing to lend a helping hand and to share Jesus with anyone he met.  Survivors include one grandchild David (Terrie) Judy, Aiken; one great grandson Daniel (Lynn) Hartley, Oak Ridge, TN; three great great grandchildren, Haddie, Jed and Silas; three sisters, Miriam Monts, Irmo, Connie Bickley, Chapin, and Wanda (Clint) Allen, Irmo; and an abundance of Nieces and Nephews.  He was predeceased by a step son, William “Rodney” Judy; three brothers, Herman, John, P.K. “Boots” Derrick; seven sisters, Jo Frieda Hooker, Margaret Bauknight, Aldaray McAndrews, Olive Chapman, Runette Still, Elizabeth Shealy and Mary Hipp.  In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made to St. John’s United Methodist Church, 104 Newberry Street, Aiken, SC 20801 or to Oak Grove Baptist Church, 1738 Old 96 Indian Trail, Batesburg, SC 29006 for Senior Excursions.  A visitation with the family will take place 6-8pm Thursday, May 5, 2022 at Cole Funeral Home 1544 University Parkway, (118 By-Pass) Aiken, SC 29801.  Please sign the online registry at www.colefuneralhomeinc.net.

COLE FUNERAL HOME 1544 UNIVERSITY PARKWAY (118 BY PASS) AIKEN, SC, 29801.