Walter Gary Derrick, Jr.

Walter Gary Derrick, Jr. of Irmo, surrounded by loved ones and in his family home, passed Monday, January 3, 2022 at the age of 76. Known to many as Sonny Boy and others as Gary, he was born on June 27, 1945 in Charleston, SC. However, this joyous occasion was quickly overshadowed with tragedy when his mother, Anna, passed away just three days afterwards from the rigors of childbirth. Walter Sr. returned to Irmo, SC with his baby son, where Gary would live nearby with his grandparents, Royal Hendrix Derrick and Nettie Koon Derrick. There, he learned much about growing and caring for a garden, as well as how to fix and repair most anything.

Gary graduated from Irmo High School in 1963 and became a local plumber apprentice, eventually becoming a proficient and skilled plumber. He also married the love of his life, Marilyn Jean Fort, and they soon began a family of their own, moving to his family’s property where they would renovate his great-grandfather’s home. Countless hours were spent accomplishing this seemingly monumental task of clearing land and sanding walls. But for Gary, every minute of those long hours of hard work were worth it because it was for his family – and for him, there was absolutely nothing more important than family.

Gary’s family, like his garden, blossomed over the years and his devotion to them never faltered. Not through the many moves his children would make, nor the many side projects that needed to be completed over the years. If you were family - or a family friend - and in need of help, Gary would be there to help if he had the means to do so.

After 21+ years of dedicated service to the South Carolina Department of Corrections, Gary retired and was able to spend his time doing what he loved most: spoiling grandkids and wrenching around on cars, trucks, tractors and – his favorite – lawn mowers. His assertive, sometimes prickly, yet deeply caring personality will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Gary is survived by his wife, Marilyn Fort Derrick; son, Kevin (Suzanne); daughters, Denise Berry (Steve) and Leigh Waguespack (Bill); and twin boys, Joshua (Sydney) and Jonathan (Dianne Davis). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Collin Derrick (Brittni), Megan Donovan (Shane), Mila Waguespack, Robert Waguespack, Anna Derrick and his great grandson, Wyatt Derrick. Gary is also survived by his aunt, Rennie Derrick Owen (Guy), whom he always thought of as his sister. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Gary Derrick Sr. and Anna Monts Derrick.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, January 8 at Bush River Memorial Gardens located at 5400 Bush River Rd., Columbia, SC 29212. The family will accept visitors at the on-site mausoleum directly after the service concludes. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the South Carolina Foster Parent Association at scfpa.com for their On the Road Again program or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the Derrick, family.