Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
2205 East Millbrook Road
Raleigh, North Carolina
Chris Derby Obituary
March 18, 1957 – February 23, 2015
Chapel Hill
On the evening of February 23, Chris passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack in the comfort of his home. In addition to being a devoted family man, Chris was actively involved in the community. Chris was well-known for his positivity, leadership, boundless energy, generosity and integrity. As an active member of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce and board member at Extraordinary Ventures, Chris supported fellow business owners and members of the community. In addition, Chris owned The UPS Stores at Meadowmont and Fordham Boulevard and was a partner in Baguettaboutit.
Chris was fortunate to meet the love of his life, Marcy, at Catawba College; they were married in 1984. Chris was a devoted and loving husband, "Cool Rocking Daddy," caring son, fantastic brother and genuine friend to many. His children, Brett, Kelly and Torri, brought out the best in Chris as he excelled at fatherhood, supporting their every endeavor from school to scouts to sports. Chris loved classic rock music, making mix CDs, the beach, performing magic to delight others, working in his yard, being the king of the grill and planning gatherings with his life-long friends.
Chris is survived by his wife Marcy, his son, Brett, 27, and his daughters, Kelly, 25 and Torri, 19, his sister, Julie Derby Jaecksch of Martinez, CA, and his brother, Lee (Shelley) Derby of Damascus, MD, mother-in-law/father-in-law, Patricia and Melvin Hook of Pittsburgh, PA, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lisa Hook and Peter Gillon of Washington, DC, Dave Hook of Emeryville, CA, Polly Hook and David Lawlor of Irvine, CA, John and Katherine Hook of Pittsburgh, PA, and Chris and Tammy Hook of Cleveland, OH, as well as eight nieces and nephews. Chris was predeceased by his mother, Catherine L. Derby.
Chris brightened each and every day with his enormous smile, opening his heart to family, friends, employees, customers and community members. Chris touched many lives and all who knew him will continue to strive to emulate him and carry him in their hearts and memories always.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2015 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 940 Carmichael Street in Chapel Hill. In lieu of floral arrangements, the family requests that donations in memory of Chris be made to Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Road, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514 or the American Heart Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Chris Derby
Linda Norman
March 23, 2015
I was on FB Peary High site and saw this. Shocked and saddened by this news. Please let his family know that I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers. Chris and I experienced many aspects of growing up together. He surely will be missed by many. My email [email protected] I lost my husband five years ago - if you ever need to talk.
Lynn Janashek-Boyd
March 10, 2015
God's peace to your family. What an incredible shock. Chris & I were 'besties' in high school. My porch was his therapy room :)A talented, very nice person. He was 'magic'.
Bill Soeters
March 5, 2015
A wonderful, positive friend & co-worker, memories to be enjoyed, presence to be missed, especially by his family. Chris knew Christ and I am thankful for that.
MICHELLE S
March 4, 2015
YOU WERE SUCH A GREAT PERSON SO FULL OF JOY SO GLAD I HAD THE CHANCE OF MEETING YOU AND WORKING WITH YOU!
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Sue Field
March 1, 2015
The light that Chris gave will live on in all of us that were lucky enough to come in contact with him.
Sue & Tommy (& Kelly) Field
March 1, 2015
The loss of Chris is such a shock--what an extraordinary person he has been to his UPS community of customers. He welcomed us all so enthusiastically. He would always ask about my daughter, Kelly, and I could tell how proud he was of his children. His good spirits were contagious! I hope his family can take comfort in how much he has meant to all he came in contact with. His many kindnesses is a precious legacy we can all keep of his life so well-lived.
Pam Hemminger
March 1, 2015
So so sorry for your loss. Chris was always bright & cheerful whenever anyone came into the store or talked with him at a meeting. He cared deeply about his family and the community. His warm smile and positive attitude will be greatly missed.
Nina Kamberos
February 28, 2015
Chris was kindness incarnate . .
Nina Kamberos
February 28, 2015
A ray of pure light . . To encounter Chris, however momentarily, was to be blessed . .
American Heart Association
February 28, 2015
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
George & Kay Connor
February 27, 2015
Deeply sorry to hear about the sudden loss of Chris. Will miss his great smile and wiliness to help all of The UPS Stores.
Rest in peace Chris!!
George and Kay Connor(previous The UPS Store owners.
February 27, 2015
So sorry for your loss from Katie Bennett and her parents and grandparents.
Myrah and Lee Scott
February 27, 2015
We feel as if we have lost a family member since Chris made a point to know our children names and to make all our shipping as easy as possible. We were always greeted by name with a smile when we entered UPS and we felt important and cared for. We send our sympathy to the family on the loss of an exceptional husband ,father and friend to his community.
Alison Jesse
February 26, 2015
Dear Marcy, Brett, Kelley and Torri,
Peter, Ellie, Sam and I are mourning the loss of Chris, such a vibrant man who was taken from us too soon. I'm so glad I ran into him a few months ago in Southern Village and got to catch up. We will miss his smile and upbeat love of life. The Jesses
February 26, 2015
We own The UPS Store in New Bern, NC and had numerous contacts with Chris over the years. His smile was contagious and his guidance helpful. We're so sorry for your loss. Chris will be missed by many.
Pat Drake & Mack Paul
Amy Whitley
February 26, 2015
Dear Marcy,Brett,Kelly,and Torri,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We feel so blessed to have gotten to know Chris over the past few years. He was such an incredible human being. With Love, Bill and Amy Whitley
February 26, 2015
Dear Marcy,Brett,Kelley and Torri......we can't begin to tell you the sadness we are feeling at hearing the news of Chris's passing away. May you find comfort in each other at this most difficult of times. Our Prayers are with you all....Bob & Jane Hudak
Lowell Smith
February 26, 2015
Dear Marcy and Family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Chris. I remember Chris as a very nice man and from the write-ups I read that never changed. My families prayers to out to you.
Jane Brown
February 26, 2015
We love you Marcy and are so sorry for your loss of such a great man. Dennis and Jane Brown
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Make a Donation
in Chris Derby's name
Memorial Events
for Chris Derby
Funeral services provided by:
Cremation Society of the Carolinas & Capital Funeral Home - Raleigh2205 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27604
People and places connected with Chris
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Chris's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Chris Derby's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
