Obituary published on Legacy.com by Colonial Funeral Home of Irving on Jan. 6, 2026.
Derrick LaRue Williams was born November 17th, 1971 to parents Louvinia Diane Williams and Jesse Bernard Green, Jr. in
Victoria, TX. He passed from this life on Saturday December 13th, 2025 in
Irving, TX.
Memorial service for Derrick will be 1:00 PM Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Colonial Funeral Home Chapel.606 W. Airport Freeway,
Irving, TX 75062.
Derrick's path was always marked by determination and purpose. After graduating from Pflugerville High School, he answered a higher calling and joined the United States Navy in June 1990. For twenty years, he served with honor and commitment, retiring in June 2010 - a chapter that shaped his character and strengthened his resolve. His dedication to service continued long after his naval career. SSG Williams went on to serve honorably in the Texas State Guard, ultimately completing more than 25 years of combined service to both our state and nation. He was a respected and valued member of the Texas State Guard team, remembered for his professionalism, steadfast work ethic, and unwavering commitment to those he served alongside.
Even while serving, Derrick never stopped investing in his future. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Management and Human Resources from Park University in Kansas City, Missouri in May 2009, laying the foundation for a lifetime of leadership. His passion for service and people led him to pursue a Master of Public Administration in Human Resources from the American Public University System in Charles Town, West Virginia, completed in December 2012. Just months later, he continued to elevate his expertise with a Master of Science in Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Fort Worth, Texas in February 2013. His commitment to growth remained constant throughout his life, reflected in every step he took toward excellence.
His commitment to growth didn't stop there. In February 2023, Derrick added an Associate in Arts in Business Administration from Strayer University in Dallas, Texas - a testament to his belief that learning is a lifelong journey.
Most recently, Derrick was pursuing his Doctor of Business Administration at Prairie View A&M University, with an anticipated graduation of August 2026 - a milestone that reflects not only academic excellence but the steady, unwavering drive that has defined his life.
Derrick was an inspiring individual whose legacy includes the publication of four books of poetry and a collection of works: Laments of the Madman, Scribblings of the Madman, Inside the Mind of a Madman, Messages from a Dead Man's Brainpan Vols. 1-3, and Sex Alcohol and this Poet's Soul. His work offers an authentic insight into his life, spanning from childhood to death.
Derrick's life was defined by unwavering service, relentless determination, and a quiet strength that inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Whether standing in uniform, pursuing knowledge, or pouring his heart into his family, he lived with purpose and intention. Though his earthly journey has come to an end, the legacy he leaves behind - of honor, devotion, and a life lived in steadfast commitment to others - will continue to echo through the lives he touched. His memory will remain a guiding light, reminding us of the power of service, the value of perseverance, and the enduring impact of a life well lived.
Derrick was preceded in death by his beloved son, Jonathan LaRue Williams; his mother, Louvinia Diane Williams Warner of Pflugerville, Texas; his father, Jesse Bernard Green Jr. of Katy, Texas; and his stepfather, James Allen Warner of Pflugerville, Texas. Their memories remained a guiding presence throughout his life, shaping the strength, compassion, and resilience he carried with him.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted partner in life, Kelli Carne, his stepmother Thelma Green; and his beloved children: Christopher Jesse James Williams (31) (Chantal), Amanda Marie Ruth Williams (28), Brandi Catherine Diane Williams (26) (Kejuan), Hannah Jelena Williams (22), Diane Kilala Williams (22), Eric Taku Allen Williams (13), Finley Joseph Michael Williams (7), and Gideon Patrick Daniel Williams (6). He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Italy (8), Layla (6), Luke (5), Mateo (2), Zenaya (1), and Jean-Anne (7 months). Derrick is survived by the mothers of his children: Deborah Anderson mother of Christopher, Amanda, and Brandi; Terumi Williams mother of Hannah and Diane; and Junko Williams mother of Eric and Kelli Carne-Williams mother of Finley and Gideon. Derrick is survived by his brothers: Warren D. Barnes Sr. (Teri), Roderick Green (Erica), and Jesse Bernard Green III (Rosette); and his sisters: Pamela Brison-Smith (Detria), Ashley Davis (Anthony), Vanessa M. Dinwiddie (Pedro), and Rasheda Warner. He also leaves a host of loving nieces and nephews: Jaye Brison (Shannon), Ashton Smith, La Isha Sanchez, Jazmin Lara (Daniel), Halla Barnes, Shay Lei Barnes, Warren "Rocker" Barnes Jr., Jasmine Adkison, Brijuana Turner, Addison Green, Gianna Green, Jesse "Que" Bernard Green IV, Kemah Green, Heavyn Davis, Daitin Davis, J'Ree L. Riley, Nora ML Howell, Nathaniel J. Howell, LaDaija James, Kira Greene, Elian James, and Rylan James. Great nieces and nephews: Jadlynn Payton, Xandyr Sanchez, Camila Lara, Tyzhon Giles, JaiRianna Stennis, Diona Stennis, James Cleveland, Jordan Warner, and Jayden Jones.
Derrick's life was a testament to perseverance, devotion, and the quiet strength that comes from a heart committed to family, service, and purpose. Though his journey on this earth has come to a close, the impact of his love, his wisdom, and his unwavering dedication will continue to live on in the lives of those he cherished. His story remains a reminder that a life lived with intention leaves a legacy that time cannot erase.
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