David L. Derry

Chief David Lee Derry, United States Navy (Ret.), age 73, of Rodeo Drive, Walterboro, entered into rest Saturday morning, June 20, 2015, surrounded by his loving family at the Veteran’s Victory House in Walterboro.

The Relatives and Friends of Mr. and Mrs. David L. Derry are invited to a celebration of his life which will be conducted at 7 o’clock Wednesday evening, June 24, 2015, from The Brice W. Herndon and Sons Funeral Chapel, Walterboro with Full Military Honors.

The family will receive friends following the funeral ceremony until 9:30 that evening in The Harbiston Stateroom of the Mortuary.

Born November 16, 1941, in Brooklyn, Illinois, he was the sixth of ten children born of the late Ivan Derry and the late Ina Viola Campbell Derry.  At the age of 17, Mr. Derry entered the United States Navy and served faithfully and proudly for the next twenty-one years of his life, retiring with the distinguished rank of E-7, Navy Chief.  He served proudly as a Navy Combat Medic while attached to the Third Battalion and during the Vietnam Era with deployments to included De-Nang and the Phu-Bai, Republic of Vietnam.  During his time in service, he was awarded three Bronze Stars because of his heroic actions to save the lives of fellow serviceman.

Upon retiring from the United States Navy in Raleigh, North Carolina, he made Charleston his home.  He received his Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from College of Charleston.  Due to his always serving nature, he again served his country from another capacity, that of a Mail Route Carrier with the United States Postal Service in Summerville.  After his retirement from the Postal Service, he and Tommie made Cottageville their home in 1987, eventually settling in Walterboro and accomplishing yet another of their dreams in life.  The couple opened The Double D. Arena, which for the past twenty-six years has been home to the Walterboro Pro Rodeo – which is sanctioned by International Professional Rodeo Association of Oklahoma.  This venture was solely founded on principal and character of giving back what was so freely given to him by providing for everyone a non-alcoholic family atmosphere.  This has been a highly anticipated annual event that has seen many equine enthusiasts to include Cowboys and Cowgirls, Bull riders, and Barrel Racers come from as far as England to compete for points towards the International Professional Rodeo Association World Competition in Oklahoma.

Mr. and Mrs. Derry also founded and operated Cowboy, USA Trucking Company which is a Specialized Transportation Brokerage Company.  David was a master planner and astute businessman and greatly assisted him in his work with supplying the transportation needs for FEMA as well as with  many other disaster relief agencies and also as the main carrier for Boeing, their large fleet of trucks can be seen at almost any time of day in almost every part of Charleston.

David will always be remembered as a giver.  He was a private man, who was known for the love he possessed for his wife.  His favorite pastime in life was supporting her dreams and providing for her and others.  He deeply and soulfully loved all the members of his family.  His love of horses came by the way of his wife and his favorite all time horse “Bar” has been awaiting his entrance to Heaven, where his love for all people and animals would once again live.  While a man of few words, when he spoke the wisdom of a true leader was heard.  David always saw the inner beauty in everything and everyone.  He was also a master tinker and could fix almost anything.

He is survived by his love in life for forty-nine years, his wife, Mrs. Tommie McCranie Derry.  He is survived by a daughter, Gina Maria Derry (Cathie) of Summerton;  A son, L. Mark Derry, of Walterboro.  Their youngest daughter, LeAnn Derry Dragano, preceded him in death on April 9th, 2015, and she is survived by her husband, Glenn of Aiken who has always been considered a son to David and Tommie.  There are four grandchildren, Channing Elizabeth Derry, David Alan Dragano (Stephanie), Garrett Lee Dragano, and Ryan Glenn Dragano; one great grandchild, Reagan Dragano as well as another one on the way; and their beloved dog, “Bailey”.  He is also survived by six siblings, Cora May Grimm Derry, Richard Derry, George Derry, Arthur Derry, Kermit Derry, and Carl Derry, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ivan Derry Jr. and Edward “Stan” Derry; and a sister, Lavera Derry.

In lieu of flowers, because of his tremendous love for animals, they have requested that food donations be made in his memory to: Friends of The Colleton County Animal Shelter, 33 Poor Farm Road, Walterboro, South Carolina 29488; or to, The Charleston Animal Society, 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, South Carolina 29406

Arrangements by:  THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro; 843.538.5408.  Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.

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