Derrick Morrell Smith

Derrick is survived by wife, Yvonne Silva Smith; son, Brandon Smith; daughter, Valerie (Vincent) Hicks; grandson, Dakota Hicks; granddaughter, Adrienne Hicks; father, Douglas Smith; brother, Gavin Smith; sister, Sabrena (Kent) Pierce; brother, Hunter (Teri) Smith; brother-in-law, Edgar Silva; nieces: Meagan Faggard, Lauren Smith; nephews: Kameron Pierce, Garrett Smith, Blake Smith; family cat, Hurley; family dog: Harley, Anna, Meka, and Chiquita. He is preceded in death by mother, Vicki Stanley Smith; father-in-law, Ricardo Silva; mother-in-law, Sanjuana Silva; brother-in-law, Ricardo Silva Jr.

Derrick was born on May 6th, 1964 in Pasadena, TX, at Bayshore Hospital to parents Douglas Smith and Vicki Stanley Smith. Derrick was the oldest of 4 siblings where he graduated from Galena Park High School and later attended San Jacinto College where he played baseball. Derrick worked at Southwest Airlines since November 1997 in which he enjoyed the many perks and benefits of flying. He was a hard-working and loving employee at Hobby Airport for over 25 years. Before his career began, he entered the workforce at Kroger in Houston, TX., where he would meet his future wife. On weekends, Derrick enjoyed bowling in tournaments and fishing with his brothers and friends.

Derrick married his wife, Yvonne E. Silva Smith, on August 23rd, 1986 in Highlands, TX. Their first song “Endless Love” was a precursor to the endless memories and the love they shared for their children, family, traveling, and the Lord. They met on Yvonne’s first day working at Kroger on August 21st, 1981. Their first date was on September 10th, 1981 attending the screening of “Stripes.” They moved as a family to Kingwood, TX on October 28th, 1999 where they have resided ever since. Derrick enjoyed hosting family gatherings, parties, and unexpected guests. Derrick always manned the grill to perfection while providing loving laughs and smiles. Derrick enjoyed taking many family trips during the summer, from Disney World to Hawaii, Canada to Mexico, and many cruises in between. After many family trips to Galveston, TX., Derrick and Yvonne purchased a beach house in Jamaica Beach, TX., where their love for family and the beach only grew.

Derrick was a devoted Catholic, loving son, brother, cousin, husband, father, uncle, and grandparent. He was dedicated to the wellbeing of all loved ones, especially surprised visits from his grandchildren. He enjoyed grilling and the outdoors, including: fishing, gardening, lawn care, swimming, dancing, baseball, football, bowling, and sports in general. He loved providing taste test to all the family dogs and always made a special plate for them. His family and friends will always remember the joy he loved providing unlimited fajitas as he made sure everyone was stuffed before his own plate was made. Derrick was selfless and quick to say yes to a friend in need. Guests always had a roof and a plate of food made with love, care, and a lot of beer.

A funeral service is scheduled for Derrick on Monday, October 24th, 2022, at St. Martha Catholic Church in Porter, TX, with a committal service following at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home in Houston, TX. Visitation is scheduled on Sunday, October 23rd, 2022, at Kingwood Funeral Home. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Derrick’s life. The family would like to thank you for your condolences and support during this difficult time. Flowers and donations can be sent to Kingwood Funeral Home at 22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, TX, 77339.