Derek Joseph Smith

GREENBUSH, ME and GUYTON, GA—Derek Joseph Smith, 34, passed away Saturday, May 6, 2023, while working in Anderson South Carolina. He was born June 8, 1988 in Millinocket the son of Donald and Tracy Smith.

Derek graduated from Orono High School and Washington County Community College where he studied welding. Growing up, he was an avid athlete, playing both ice hockey and baseball. He was artistic and creative. He loved music. It was always his therapy. He was a self taught guitarist who learn to play by ear. He made new friends wherever he went and truly had a heart of gold. No matter how many times he had to start his life over, he never gave up. During his lifetime, he held many jobs, but he was always a hard worker. He loved working outside with his hands, be it landscaping, climbing trees with his chainsaw, working on vehicles, or installing natural gas lines. He was always willing to help out a friend or neighbor. Derek love bonfires, the bigger the better! At the time of his death, he was doing what he loved, and excelled at welding .

In addition to his parents, he survived by his brother Kyle Smith of Greenbush, his grandparents, William and Beverley McGreevy of Millinocket. Aunts Liz Paquin, and her husband Ricky, of Milford, Stephanie McGreevy of Millinocket, Donna White, and her husband Mike, of North Carolina. Uncles Owen Smith Sr, and his wife Lea, of Milo, Owen Smith Jr of North Carolina, and Otto Smith, and his wife Kelly, of North Carolina. Cousins, Ashley Sirois, Meagan Covell, William McGreevy, Brent Smith, Shaun Smith, Owen Smith Jr, Kristen Smith , Lauren Jones, and Eric Piers and many extended family members. Derek is also survived by his girlfriend, Stephanie Zipperer of Georgia with whom he planned to start a life with, and her children, Nicholas Hinson, Evyn Wimmer, Madison Lines, Piper Paige, Harley, Zipperer, and Kaleb Zipperer, and his beloved dog Max.

He was pre-deceased by his grandparents, Oliver Sr and Claudine Smith , great grandmother Grace Evers, great grandparents Edward Sr and Winnifred McGreevy.

Friends may call 6-8PM Thursday May 18, 2023 at the Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St, Old Town where a funeral service will be conducted 2PM Friday May 19, 2023.