Moultrie (Jeff) Jeffords Derrick Jr.

Moultrie Jeffords “Jeff” Derrick Jr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia. 

Born in 1944 in Kingstree, South Carolina, he was the son of Hester E. “Lib” Derrick and Moultrie J. “Moot” Derrick. Despite being an only child, he was never alone or lonely. His childhood days were spent surrounded by a large loving family, lots of laughter, his beloved cousins, close friends, encouraging school teachers, and a nurturing community. In his later years he loved to reminisce about his childhood in Kingstree which included early morning paper routes on his bike, hitting curve balls that sailed past his teammates, swimming in the Black River, playing out at his uncle’s farm, and his favorite Aunt’s fried chicken. 

He graduated from Kingstree High School in 1962 lettering in football and baseball. He was involved in many clubs, was co-captain of the football team alongside his best friend, and was voted most athletic. After high school, he went on to study Civil Engineering at the University of South Carolina. He graduated in 1968 and shortly after began his career with the U.S. Forest Service. For 35 years his work on our national forests involved designing roads, water crossings, and office facilities across the southeast.  He loved spending time in the forests with his engineering team offering solutions and seeing his designs take shape. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Dolores, of 51 years, whom he loved with his whole heart. He was a loving and devoted husband putting her first in all his decisions. He loved to work on projects around the house for her and with her and together they built beautiful homes, backyards, decks, docks, and gardens.   

Upon retirement, he and Dolores moved to Richmond Hill, Georgia to be near his daughter Beth, whom he loved and encouraged. Telling her to always remember the balance, study/work hard, play hard, exercise and eat right, get plenty of rest, find a good church, and have fun. His grandchildren, Kate and Owen, were a source of great joy and pride in his retirement. He loved hearing about the details of their lives, how things were going at school, and what their future plans might hold. 

Throughout his life he spent his free time in service to his family and his community. He actively served his churches wherever he lived: Crossgates UMC in Brandon, Mississippi, Eagle Lake UMC in Vicksburg, Mississippi and Richmond Hill UMC in Richmond Hill, Georgia. He was a member and served on the Board of Directors in the Richmond Hill Lions Club and as a driver for the Food for the Soul Soup Kitchen. 

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents, Hester E. Derrick and Moultrie J. Derrick, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Dolores Derrick, daughter Beth Williams (David) of Richmond Hill, Georgia, grandchildren Kate and Owen Williams. Memorial contributions can be made to Church of the Hill, 9050 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, GA 31324. 

Funeral service will be held at 2pm Thursday, April 10, 2025 at the Church of the Hill in Richmond Hill, Georgia, with visitation one hour prior to the service. 

Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.