Derryl Harkleroad

William Derryl Harkleroad, 86, of Rock Spring passed away at home surrounded by family Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Derryl was born in rural Marion County, TN on July 14th, 1938 to the late Bert and Neva Hooper Harkleroad. He completed his education at Chattanooga High School, class of '56 and at Auburn University, class of '61. He was very active with his children in athletic programs, canoeing, hiking, camping and biking. He served as President of the East Ridge Dixie Youth Baseball Association, coached Dixie Youth baseball teams, served as President of the Chattanooga Valley HS Booster's Club and worked with the Cub Scouts.
For most of his life he worshiped in the United Methodist Church, serving local churches as Chairman of Admin Board, Chairman of Trustees, Lay Leader, youth and adult Sunday School teacher and as a delegate to Annual Conference. He served as the UMC Chattanooga District Lay Leader from 1992 – 1996. Later he became a member of Oakwood Baptist Church in Chickamauga, GA.
He joined American National Bank in 1962 and was instrumental in the installation and management of its first computer system, rising over the years to Senior Vice President. With the acquisition of ANB by SunTrust Banks in 1986, he played a role in the consolidation of computer systems and operations. Later, he transferred to Macon, GA to manage South GA Technical Operations for SunTrust as First Vice President. In 1998 he took early retirement and returned to the Chattanooga area. Feeling the need to stay active, in 2002 he earned a Real Estate Broker's License and became an independent contractor with Berkshire Hathaway Realty Center and was an active realtor for many years. His personal interests included hiking, bike riding and tennis.
Survivors include his loving wife of 67 years, Diane Harkleroad; son, Daniel Hooper Harkleroad (Kathleen); daughter, Derrie Harkleroad Pulver (Kurt); grandchildren, Ryan (Abby) Dixon, Seth (Bonnie) Dixon and Ashely (Chuck) Harkleroad Adams; 7 great-grandchildren also survive.
Graveside services will be 1 PM, Tuesday at Forest Hills Cemetery with Pastor David Knight officiating.
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In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Family will receive friends 4-8 PM, Monday at Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.
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