Derek Jay Sullivan

Derek Jay Sullivan tragically passed away on October 22, 2024, at the age of 57 in East Tennessee, where he had lived for nearly 20 years.

Born in Kennett, Missouri on September 15, 1967, Derek relocated to Pasadena, Texas in 1981. He cultivated a successful career in sales and took great pride in his innate ability to read people. Known for his larger-than-life personality, quick-witted humor, and candid nature, Derek had a lifelong love affair with baseball caps, Diet Coke, Copenhagen dip, Sweetarts candy, and Irish Spring soap. He was famous for his playful spirit, excelling at pranks, barbecuing, collecting tools, and wearing flip-flops year-round. He had a distinct disdain for debt collectors, politicians, preachers, cats, and being wrong about anything.

Derek took enormous pride in his children, grandchildren, granddogs, and, of course, his beloved Dobermans. He was an incredible father, grandfather, and friend to all walks of life. A man of principle, he shared life lessons rooted in bravery, self-accountability, and perseverance, leaving an indelible mark on those lucky enough to have known him. He was surrounded by people who loved him deeply and will be missed tremendously.

Derek is survived by his beloved partner, Cynthia Jones; his daughter and son-in-law, Shelby (Sullivan) Seely and Eric Seely; his son and daughter-in-law, Randall Sullivan and Nicole Faubel; his cherished grandchildren, Nora Seely, Alina Sullivan, and Luca Sullivan; and his grandchildren-by-heart, Caydence Carroll and Luke Carroll. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Brenda (Warren) Sullivan.

A private celebration of Derek's life will be held on October 29, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that photos, memories, and stories be shared about Derek to help create a memory book for his grandchildren, so they can know their grandfather as they grow older.