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Derek Smith Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Derek Smith
Cindy Dixon
May 27, 2013
On this day your name us added to the veterans memorial wall I am moved with so many emotions. I went Saturday and touched your name and felt pride honor and joy that you served so many. Thank you derek for your service. Luv ms. Cindy Dixon
Ms. Ryan Cockburn
September 26, 2012
Dear Smith family, I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express how saddened I am by this news. I came across the news this morning... I met Derek many years ago when I relocated to Jax from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. He was an amazing, uplifting person that played an integral role in my healing and acceptance for what happened to the place I called home. There was never a time he wouldn't be there for me when I called and needed to feel safe. He was where I always felt safe. Although I haven't talked to him in years, he crosses my mind often – and I always smile when I think of him. I'll never forget the last time I talked to him on the phone. I finally decided I was going to move back home and be with my family. I could tell he was upset, but not once did he hesitate to be supportive of my decision. He told me that he had news too - he had enlisted. I had never been more proud of him than at that moment. He told me he was going to go and make me proud, make his family proud. He said some very lovely things about all of you. He will be missed. God bless.
Erika Alley
September 7, 2012
Dr Smith, Mrs. Lavonne and family-
I just saw your Times Union article this morning and have been numb ever since. I had no idea about Derek's passing. My sincerest condolences to each of you. Even though I haven't seen your family in several years, please know that you all mean so much to me and the times I spent with your family played a role in shaping me into who I am today. Mom & I were just reminiscing about some of the memories we have of your family (and specifically Derek) this morning as I shared the sad news with her. Please know we would have been there with you if we had known earlier. Feel free to reach out if you need anything or if we can help in any way. God Bless you and your family...you will all be lifted up in my prayers!!
Jason Norris
September 1, 2012
God Bless as I had the privelage to serve with your Son in Iraq with the 561st Military Police Company. I am deeply saddened by his departure of a young and inspiring young man. Celebrate his life and his commitment to his country and family. 1SG Jason Norris
nicole lamont
August 30, 2012
always in my heart RIP
Rogers Holmes, Jr.
August 30, 2012
Thank you for your devotion and sacrifice for our country. I salute you young man and will always be grateful to you. May God take you in his arms and relieve you of your pain.
SFC Jackson
August 29, 2012
Today we celebrated your life, remembering the good times and smiles you brought to others. Every time I worked with you, I would feel safe because I knew I would here 232 is out with 114. We shared some wild stories and I still have this huge lump in my throat knowing you are no longer with us. No matter how bad of a day I would have or if someone would do something to tick me off, I could count on you to crack a silly joke. I use to ride you all the time about all of the warning tickets you wrote, but I respected your work ethic. No matter what I knew you would do what was right. I can go on and on about you my brother in arms, but I will say that you really made an impact in my life. I am so proud that I had the opportunity to serve with you. May GOD bless the Smith family, your son will forever be missed.
Ann Sage
August 28, 2012
Dear Smith Family.
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of Derek. I didn't know him, but my son, Wesley Sage did. Wes was at your home and helped with the funeral.
I want to extend my deepest apologies and sympathies to your family.
I was reading about Derek and as i read I became very happy reading about him, he was and is a Christian, he is saved. How incredibly awesome. He is with God, one cannot have it any better than that.
I know that the loss is great for your family. I know the feeling well.
I won't tell you that as time goes on it gets better, but as time goes on, you begin to remember him and are able to laugh at how he did things and his silliness.
Derek is in good hands. God wanted you to know that you did your job very well and now it was time for Derek to come home and be with Him.
I pray for comfort and peace in your hearts, that God holds your aching hearts in His loving care that you may heal and cope.
Time.....
With my deepest sympathies, and loving care,
Ann Sage
SSG Valerie Pitmon
August 28, 2012
The MP Corps has lost one of it's finest... You will be missed
May you Rest in peace
Ashleigh McAllister
August 28, 2012
My heart goes out to you all during this time. Taken much too soon, he had set plans for his future he recently spoke of often. I pray his soul rests now. I'm honestly speechless.
Anne Mosychuk
August 28, 2012
to Alan and Lavonne and Trevor and Alana:
You all have been on my heart and my mind these last difficult days. I am glad Trevor and John stayed in touch and I am so sorry for your loss. He was a good boy. You are in my thoughts and my prayers.
Anne Mosychuk
August 28, 2012
To the Smith family - Alan, Lavonne, Trevor and Alana - You have all been on my mind and on my heart during these difficult days. Trevor was a good friend to John and I am glad they kept in touch. I am so sorry for your loss.
Nader Behzadi
August 27, 2012
Dr., Mrs., Alana and Trevor Smith,
Many of my best memories from elementary school relate to the good times Derek and I had together. Marathon video game sessions. Doing awful (but hilarious) impressions of Beavis and Butt-Head. Arguing about pro-wrestling and whether or not it was fake. The list goes on and on.
We drifted apart as we grew up, and that's an absolute shame, because Derek was one of the closest friends I ever had. There isn't a single bad thing anyone can say about him, and now that he's gone, the world is at a loss. I'm so sorry for you, for myself, and for everyone else who was lucky enough to know Derek in his short time on this earth.
Drew Moore, Alachua Co S.O.
August 27, 2012
Dr. and Mrs. Smith and Family,
I am very sorry for your loss and am praying for you in this difficult time. I was shocked to hear of Derek's passing and was truly sorry that I had not had an opportunity to get to know him after the academy. I attended the law enforcement academy with Derek at St. Johns River (Class BLE 05-01). I was honored to be able to attend his memorial service this morning and to represent several from our academy class who told me that they too wanted to be there. Thank you for sharing him with us, he will truly be missed. - Psalm 3:3
Mike Hafemann
August 27, 2012
Hey Derek, you'll be missed my friend, I will always remember our Madden and NCAA playing and football discussions in iraq, and the nights at the warehouse with the guys. I miss you man.
Brittany Cavender
August 27, 2012
Dear Smith Family, We are deeply sorry for your loss. My God give you peace and comfort during this troubling time. The Cavender's, 561 Champions
Ron Siegel
August 27, 2012
Dear Smith Family,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Derek's passing. Please accept my sincerest condolences at this very sad time. I was Derek's third grade teacher at Hendricks Day School many years ago, but I will always remember his infectious smile, his enthusiasm for life, and his great sense of humor. Heartfelt condolences to all who loved him and will miss him dearly.
Sally Lott
August 27, 2012
Dearest Smith Family, I want to express my sadness and sense of loss with the news of your son, Derek. Derek was always one of my all time, absolute favorites, and I will always remember him for the joy he added to our lives. May God comfort your family and all of us who loved and appreciated Derek so. Truly, this is heartbreaking news.
David Winter
August 27, 2012
Derek, I'm going to miss you brother. No matter how bad of a mood I was in sure enough when I walked into the station you would some how make me laugh. Work is going to be a sadder place without you, just you being clumsy and triping over the desk that you know is right there to being out on patrol with you. Out of every one I trained you were always open to learning something new. Now you patrol the streets of heaven and I hope you watch over us all. I wish I could have been with you that night and hope that things would have been diferent you certainly have left a huge whole in our department and on this earth. May St. Micheal take you under his wings and protect us as we patrol these heavenly streets. Rest easy brother we have the watch, EOW 8-19-2012 RIP Derek.
Gloria Perkins and Family
August 27, 2012
To the Smith Family,
God Bless your healing hearts. May memories of your son's loving spirit "shine on" you and so many other kindred-souls he touched in his lifetime.
Melody Eckert
August 27, 2012
To the Smith Family,
My condolences on the loss of your son. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers for God's healing grace at this difficult time. Your son and his service to our country were blessings.
Carolyn Howard
August 27, 2012
Dr.Smith & LaVonne,
Our prayers are with you in your time of need. Our hearts go out to you both. He will always be with you in your hearts! God Bless
David & Carolyn Howard, Nick,Zarchary & Ayen Dollison
Merrill & Associates
August 27, 2012
Dr Smith,LaVonne and family
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your son Derek. You and your family are in our prayers. His loss will forever be felt. God Bless you and your family. Arleigh & Debbie Merrill, Carolyn, Bob
Kailey and Joel White
August 27, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family.
Tom Painter
August 27, 2012
When Derek worked at Florida Rock, everyone loved him. He always had a smile and a pleasant word for anyone he met. He will be greatly missed by all here.
Carlos Patino
August 27, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. Derek was a good friend and part of the family here at Vulcan Materials. He left us much too soon and he will be missed!
Carlos Patino (Jacksonville, FL)
sharon kraft
August 26, 2012
Alan, Lavonne and family,
I am at a loss for words to know what to say after hearing of the loss of your dear son and brother, nephew, uncle and cousins. I pray that the Lord will comfort you with his precious promise that we will all see our loved ones again. I know that is little comfort and I cannot imagine your loss. I send my sincere love and prayers to you all love, your cousin, Sharon and Ken Kraft.
Wendy Camp
August 26, 2012
Lavonne,
I am terribly sorry for your loss...my heart is very heavy for your family, and especially for you! Please know that you are in our prayers.
Wendy and Travis Camp
Jeff & Tammy Flowers
August 26, 2012
Our sincerest condolences go to Derek's family. Tammy and I are still in shock. I had the honor and privilege of being Derek's team leader at Fort Belvoir last year, and there wasn't a day that went by in which he was not smiling or got everybody laughing. He always made me proud, and I admired his integrity and honesty. The world is a darker place without him here, and we will always grieve his loss.
jessica (fitzgerald)chowning
August 26, 2012
Mr. and Mrs. Smith,
I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I went to HDS with him, and have not spoken to him in many years. Over the last 3 years we have been talking on and off and he really helped me get through a hard time when my husband was deployed. We had even talked about meeting up again. I regret not making plans sooner. He was a great guy and had one of the kindest souls ever. I am glad I have known him for this short amount of time. I hope your family finds peace, but I hope you all know he touched my life a great deal. God Bless.
August 26, 2012
Dear Smith Family,
The physicians and staff of Florida Woman Care of Jacksonville are sincerely sorry for the premature loss of your son. At this time, we would like to send our many thanks for his service to our country. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Drs. Andres, McDyer and Suhrer
John & Terry Pelick
August 26, 2012
Dear Alan and Lavonne,
Terry and I send our deepest sympathy and condolences to you at this very sad time. Derek was like a son to me and he will be dearly missed. I thank him for his service to our country and for being a wonderful person. May God bless you and keep you.
SFC Edwards
August 26, 2012
In my 17+ years serving in the U.S. Army, I have never came across a more happy go lucky soldier. No matter what crappy detail or mission that Derek was put on be always had a smile and was constantly making everyone else smile. You will be truly missed my brother RIP. War Gators and war Jaguars!
Rick and Page Ciordia
August 26, 2012
Lavonne, Alan and family---our prayers are with you all. Derek was such a active member of all our get togethers and such a great guy! All our love, Page and Rick
michael verrillo
August 26, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Smith Family, Derek was one of the first soldiers I had the chance of becoming friends with when alot of us got to Ft Campbell in 2007, he was always so outgoing, and funny, he had a heart of gold. I'm glad my memories with Derek and the rest of the boys from 561st MP CO are all great memories, Derek will never be forgotten, may his soul be in a better place now watching over the rest of us as we continue on with our rendeveous with destiny. Derek Smith, You were a great friend, and alot of my memories from Ft. Campbell have you in it, you will be forever in our hearts.
Sincerely, SGT Michael Verrillo
Mark Katz
August 25, 2012
My words will never mend your pain, but I hope you (at one point) can find peace. May god be with the Smith family during this time of bereavement & thereafter. My sincerest condolences.
Rebecca Lewis-Hughes
August 25, 2012
God Bless and keep you in this time..I don't know the family but as a Army mom we are all kindered spirits. Rest well soldier an your brothers will pick up the unit and carry on.
Jeff Van de Ryt
August 25, 2012
To all the family and friends of our Brother, Derek, My heartfelt prayers are sent out to you for comfort, healing, and understanding. I had the honor and privilege of serving beside him in Iraq and was blessed to experience his smile, laughter, and compassion while mentoring and coaching the Iraqi people. His presence made such a significant impact on 2nd Platoon and the 561st Military Police Company's mission success. He routinely went above and beyond what was expected of a Military Policeman and Soldiers always felt secure when Derek was watching their backs at the Iraqi Police stations. He was a special and talented Soldier who never backed down from a challenge and sacrificed himself for the benefit of others. I am heartbroken for all who are left with the confusion and pain of his departure. May God bless you all with love and compassion in your time of sorrow.
Iain Smallwood
August 25, 2012
Derek, ill never forget the time you spent with us and the positive attitude you always carried. It was a privalege to call you friend and most of all brother. See you when I see you good sir.
August 25, 2012
Dear Smith Family, I was shocked to hear about your loss. I passed on information to the Florida Rock family. As you know, Derek was our security guard and we all loved him jlike family. We were so proud of him when he joined the Army. As a Navy vet, I want to thank him for his Service. God Bless Derek.
John Smith, CPO, Retired US Navy
Mathew Haskins
August 25, 2012
Dear Smith family, I am very sorry for your loss. Derek left to early for us all and will deeply miss the times we had while at Fort Campbell. My prayers go out to all of your family and all the lifes that Derek touched.
Jason Overstreet
August 25, 2012
Great Soldier, who never questioned any mission. I am extremely honored to have served with someone who made such a positive impact on everyone he was around. Thankyou for everything! You will be missed.
August 25, 2012
May God bless you in this very trying time. May he keep you close in his arms and help you throught this pain.
Glen Andreasen
Jace Thorn
August 25, 2012
Derek,
You always had a way of making me laugh and making things easier in Iraq. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be your squad leader. May you rest easy good sir.
Ryan Augustine
August 25, 2012
To the Smith family: I am sorry for your loss of Derek. I was with Derek in 561st and when we deployed to Iraq. I remember all the days he made us laugh and smile. He is a great man and a great Soldier.
Derek, miss you calling and talking. Wish you would have continued those calls. See ya when I see ya brother. Keep us safe and keep your family first.
Toni amd Brad Merton
August 25, 2012
Dear Allison and Smith family, I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you in your time of sorrow. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandy Behzadi
August 25, 2012
Derek, we are so sad about your passing. You were one of the best kids in the whole wide world. You had the biggest heart and the greatest smile. When I would hear of your accomplishments I would beam with pride. I would hear second hand stories about how you loved your truck and your job.It is really dark knowing that you aren't here.
August 25, 2012
Alaan & Lavanne,
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOST AND i PRAY FOR YOU HEART TO MEANED AND THE PAIN YOU FEEL ON THIS DAY. i HAVE JUST FOUND OUT OF YOUR LOST .God be with you and family. Love Aunt Esther
Rocco Bruno
August 25, 2012
Mr and Mrs. Smith, I am very sorry for your loss. I was stationed at Fort Campbell with Derek and lived on Fort Belvoir when Derek was an MP there and everytime I seen him, he would always give me crap about all the tickets I accumilated as an MP. God definetly had a bigger plan for him and his "easy to get along with" personality. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers always...
Sherry Seligman
August 25, 2012
To The Smith Family:
Derek was a wonderful young man. I was blesed with the gift of having worked with your son at Florida Rock. Derek always brightened my days by popping in my office and visiting me with his wonderful smile. We had kept in touch over the years, and I was honored to call him my true friend. He led his life from his heart, and achieved such success in his short life. My deepest condolences at his loss. I hold you in my thoughts and prayers..
Derek -
I am so saddened by your passing. You were a special friend. A friend who kept in touch, and your impropmtu calls, texts, and E-mails meant so much to me. I am saddened that I will not have the opportunity to tell you that in person as we had planned this fall. You were a rare gift, and I am so proud of the man that you became. You were always true-to -your heart. You had the power, strength and conviction to envision your dreams, and then go out and achieve them. Thank you for your service to our country - a job you took such pride in doing each and every day - still protecting me, your friends and family and your country. You will be missed more than you will ever know! Please know that you were loved... I will carry you in my heart always and forever my friend!
August 25, 2012
RIP young man and thanks for your service to the country.
James Collier
August 25, 2012
Derek, you were a great soldier and a wonderful friend. Thank you for all the fun times and the way you always made us laugh. Night shift at Fort Belvoir will never be the same with out you on patrol with us. God Bless you and your family.
Suzi & Jack Stone
August 24, 2012
Alan & Lavonne---Words cannot express how sad we are to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you....Suzi & Jack Stone
Brad Lewis
August 24, 2012
Mr and Mrs Smith, Im deeply saddened by the news of our loss of Derek. I was with Derek in the 561st and deployed to Iraq with him in 08-09. What I remember most about Derek was his loyalty to the Gators and the state of Florida in general. Even though I was a Tebow fan myself, getting him riled up about Gator football was always a good way to get him talking. He was a good person, great Soldier and we have lost him way to soon. My deepest condolences.
August 24, 2012
Dear Allison and Smith family,
We are incredibly sorry for your loss. May your fond memories of Derek comfort you during this time.
Pat and Kate Henry
Atlanta, Ga
August 24, 2012
Dr Smith, Lavonne & Family,
No words can express my sorrow for you all. I will always remember the day Derek came to the office and Dr Smith had him come up front so I could see him in uniform! The smile on Dr Smith's face was priceless..one I will never forget!!! All I can think of is God must have had a bigger plan for Derek and needed the best Law Enforcement Officer he could think of and chose Derek.Don't say Goodbye...say see you again one day!!
Love, Tanya Alcantara
Maggie Leverone
August 24, 2012
Dear Derek's Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. Derek was stationed at Fort Campbell with my daughter who is also an MP.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Maggie Leverone
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