Derek Thomas Duke

Derek Thomas Duke returned home on October 30, 2018. Visitation will be Saturday, November 3rd, from 9 am until 11 am, at Collier-Butler Chapel with service immediately following at 11 am. Collier-Butler Funeral Home will be directing. Rodney Prickett, Riddles Bend Baptist Church, will be leading the service.

Born April 18, 1985, Derek was an extraordinary person. He was the kind of guy who made people feel better just because they knew him. With his heart of gold, he was a delightful companion to his friends and family, but his good nature extended to anyone he met and he would lend a helping hand to anyone who needed one. He loved Alabama football and animals, especially his own dogs Bella and Mocha. His vivid imagination soared when he immersed himself in Star Wars movies or his comic book heroes. Always selfless, he lived a life of giving and kindness to others and will be remembered as a man of honor.

Derek is preceded in death by his parents Tommy and Paulette Duke; Grandparents Bob Duke and Bill and Frieda Reneman; nephew Tyler Martin. He is survived by his wife Stephanie Duke; his chosen daughter Kimberly Carter; his Brothers Gary (Heather) Mizell, Clint (Kim) Mizell, Timothy (Bobby) Mizell; Sister Teresa (Kenny) Chambliss, Tara (Scott) Martin; Mother-in-Law Elaine Carter and a multitude of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Clint Mizell, Trey Mizell, Vance Reneman, Justin Wilson, Joseph Gibson and Scott Martin. Special thanks to the nurses, doctors and staff of Vanderbilt Hospital Cancer Unit.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.