I met Rev. Bill on Dec. 25, 1987 - I stumbled through the doors of the Fern House in West Palm Beach a broken man. For the next 6 months Rev. Bill was my Spiritual Advisor, my friend, my Mentor. I'd listen to him preach every Sunday morning service, we'd talk, laugh, went bowling almost every Friday night - had some tough conversations. The time I spent at the Fern House with Rev. Bill inevitably changed my life & I am forever grateful. 

I just found out today that God called you to heaven. You will be greatly missed. You leave behind so many great memories for many lives you touched. One of my first memories was a camp outting with First Baptist Church back in the 60s. As always you brought your humor and jumped in the lake, then proceeded to push many others in to join in on the fun. You were a great life long friend to my dad (Dave Bumgardner), whom I know was happy to have you in heaven with him. My condolences to your loved ones for their loss.

Billy and I grew up together in Owensboro,Ky.in school and at First Baptist Church .We attended church when Jess Moody was pastor and was an influence on our lives.
 I last saw Billy at our Owensboro Senior High school reunion...always a smile and kind word for everyone.
 He shared with me that at the Father and Son banquet at church my father would pick him up and take him.I never knew this until Billy shared it with me five years ago.
God bless his soul.

I am retired from PBSO. Rev Bill was such a kind and caring soul. PBSO and his family and friends have lost a true hero. My husband and I would see Bill at Duffy’s in Boynton Beach most Saturday nights always in a  business suit. Sometimes he was talkative and other times not so much. No doubt he had a lot on his mind most of the time. Duffy’s will not be the same without him on Saturday nights. He will be missed by so many. RIP my friend!

Laura Tierney

I was in the high school/college youth program when Bill took over as youth director of First Baptist Church in West Palm Beach.  Within a short time, he knew everyone’s names and made us feel welcome.  He also had the quirkiest sense of humor.  We would be rolling on the floor, laughing at his jokes and funny comments.  I can imagine that there is more laughter in heaven today.  Rest In Peace, friend.

Bill was such a wonderful person. When I managed at Perkins he would come in and it was as if the isles cleared for his walk to a seat. He never tried to be more than he was and related to everyone on eye level. A true Reverand in every sense of the word yet he seldom defined himself in such terms as he was your friend, confidant, and go to guy with any problem. This world lost a precious gem when he left, likely never to be replaced. 

I have known Bill Derryberry since I was 9 months old. He was my babysitter in Owensboro, Kentucky and the only adopted member of our family (Bill was an orphan). Bill was not only invited to Christmas Dinner every year, he was expected. We didn't eat until Bill got there. One year, when I was about 14, he showed up with the display bottle of my favorite body splash, Jean Nate'. It was ENORMOUS! I don't know how he ever got the store to sell it to him, I almost fell over! He was beyond generous. When we moved to W. Palm Beach, Bill moved with us. By then, he had finished college and seminary. There was no one more qualified to preach my Dad's funeral, as he had known him for 62 years. Bill was family to us and the hole his passing has left is almost as great as the one my father left, when he went home to be with Jesus. Rest In Peace, brother. I love you SO much! I'll see you on the other side.

What a great man and someone who made an impression upon me.  I can attest that Bill helped many people during his time on earth. He has saved many lives and consoled many more. He was always available to help someone regardless of the time, day or night. He always had a good joke, a political opinion or a kind word. He knew his bible and had great faith. No one could marry or bury someone better than Bill. I will miss seeing his ring, a signature mark Bill always wore. I will miss seeing a sharply dressed man who always wore a suit. I will miss our lunches at Romeos and the Rain Dancer. I will miss my friend who was always there during the difficult and good times.

On behalf of The DuPriest Family: 
Sincere condolences to Bill’s family and loved ones. 

I grew up with Billy in Owensboro starting in the first grade. He would come to our house to play with my twin sister & me. We loved to play church with him & of course he was always the preacher. He was a dear person & a friend to everyone he met. I saw him 5 years ago at our class reunion & recently received a birthday message from him.  I was sad to hear of his passing. REST IN PEACE, BILLY. 

I worked at the stockade for a long time and when ever I use to see Rev. Derryberry I use to say nice to see you Rev and he would say It's good to be seen.  Rev your job is completed now you can rest. It was a pleasure to now Rev. Derryberry during my years at Palm Beach Co. Sheriff's office. My Thoughts and Prayers to his Family and numerous Friendships at PBSO. Thank you for your service with Palm Beach Co. Sheriff's  Office. Neil Siegel#3305 (Ret)  30Yrs Of Service. 1986-2016

Rev. Bill and I met in January 1971 when we attended the police academy.  It was an immediate friendship and one that led to us becoming roommates.  We were like the odd couple, often going out for dinner, often catching some in criminal acts, where Bill would get a letter from local authorities thanking him for his diligence.
He moved away for awhile, but we caught up again years later when he was the executive director of the Fern House, a Christian recovery center for men.  He started riding with me on patrol, often finding addicts and offering them another way.  Many were saved thru his program and went on to productive lives.  His caring demeaner, his soothing communication skills were great comfort for many in times of critical incidents or loss of loved ones.  He gave his life to helping others, never to say no to someone in need.  I am richer today because of Bill's friendship.

Billy was like a big brother to me. I've known him for 65 years. He babysat me and my sister in Owensboro, KY. My father, Jess Moody, mentored him in the ministry. He could 'preach the stars down', but at the same time, had a gentle humanity about him. Our family misses him so much! Always ready with a story or joke, always ready to go out and eat, always taking up the bill. That's Billy!
I know he's with Jesus now. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!"

Rev Bill,  God has called you home.  I want to thank you for getting me through the rough spots in my career.  When I was going through my divorce you met me for breakfast several time and we prayed together. You gave me strength and guidance to get through those hard times .  i remember you coming to my house the days I moved out to stand by. You stood by me through all the false accusations that my wife made against me . 
I also remember the death notifications we went on together and how you always seem to have the right words to tell people . I thank you for the grief council you gave after D/S Pospisil was killed in the line of duty. It got several of us through that time.  You were always there , a phone call or a pager call away.   Thank you for your service to GOD ,  PBSO and our community. 
May GOD now grant you  eternal rest until that glorious day when we will meet again in that house not made with hands eternal in the heavens . Well done good and faithful servant , enter into the joy of our Lord and Savior  Jesus Christ. 

Respectfully
Layne E. Schultetus #1696
PBSO retired
Lake City Florida 


  

Always a smile always a joke.  Always a kind word for the last 32 years I've known him.   Facebook message a reminder of an upcoming event knowledge of personal stuff.  We in our family will miss his stories.

Bill often rode with me on afternoon shift at PBSO.
 We had many talks and lots of laughs, but most importantly he cared  about humanity. While we responded to various scenes, he spoke with many victims, the religious denominations' made no difference to him. He cared for each person as a human being. I will always remember him and how he treated everyone with respect and hope for the future.  Bill, will be doing Gods work in Heaven.  Rest in peace my brother, until we meet again.  

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

William C. Derryberry

25 avril 1943 – 22 août 2021

Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation and Event Center

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