"Let the Works I've done Speak for Me"

George R. Derrick was born to the union of Charley and Roberta Derrick in Muskogee, Oklahoma near Oktaha May 17, 1939.  He attended New Hope elementary and graduated from Dubois High School in Summit, Oklahoma in 1957. He attended Langston University and was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and received  a BS Degree in Agriculture Economics in 1962.

After graduation, he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer from July 1962 until April 1963 as an agricultural extensionist. After returning to the states, he was employed at Citizens Bank as a teller. Later he began a career with Goodyear Tire Company as service manager for the Muskogee store.  He was soon promoted as store manager in Oklahoma City and on completion of a new store in Tahlequah; he was given the position of store manager. After assisting his wife with GED classes, he developed a love for teaching and became certified and taught Adult Education in the Muskogee School System until retirement.

He was united in marriage to Stella Hughes on August 1, 1969.  Although they had no biological children, their home was always filled with the joy of their "Special Children of love" and the many young people that were riding "Uncle George's lawn mowers".

He was never idle!  He loved gardening, flipping houses and was "Encourager in Chief" to young people. His greatest joy was helping anyone no matter the task!

He united and was baptized at First Missionary Baptist Church and later ordained as a deacon under the pastornage of Rev. Tony Murphy.  He served faithfully in many capacities, no job was too small.  He later united with Boulevard Christian Church.

After a brother and sister became residents of Brentwood Care Center, he began a personal ministry of delivering treats daily to all the residents, employees and even visitors.  He was given the name "The Candy Man" for close to 10 years when his health began to fail.

As his illnesses progressed, it was obvious he was tired and God whispered "Come home and Rest." He was truly a servant, always thinking of others.

Preceding him in death; parents, Roberta and Charley Derrick; Sister Mattie Diles, brothers, Leo, Atchilee, Sr., L C and Bonnie Derrick; those  that will forever love and miss him; his wife of 52 years Stella; his "Chosen devoted children of love", daughters, Elaina Lyday, Vanessa Kay (Wayne) McClure; granddaughters, Amber (Bryan) Bunch and Kelsey McClure; great grandsons, Kassius and Legend Bunch; brothers, John, Muskogee, McArthur, Joplin , MO.; sisters Ellora Lyons and Pearl Brewer, Peoria, Ill and Lois Rush of Muskogee; Special nieces and nephews that brought him so much joy, Coleman III and Harper Hughes, Nariel and Nikki Hughes and Cocoanna Rush.  A host of other family and friends who will mourn his passing and miss his smile.

"Just Another Soldier Gone Home"  George R. Derrick, age 81, retired educator and U.S. Navy veteran, transitioned in his home, Friday, February 19,2021.

PUBLIC VISITATION ONLY, Wednesday, February 24, 2021 in the Precious Memories Chapel of House of Winn Funeral Home during the hours of 2:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M.

PRIVATE SERVICE streamed FACEBOOK LIVE.....Spiritual Sister .....10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 25,2021

MASKS WEARING MANDATORY AT SERVICE

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Home-Muskogee.