William Christopher "Chris" Derby, Class of '75
February 23, 2015 March 8, 2015 by Stu Kushner
March 18, 1957 – February 23, 2015
On the evening of February 23, Chris passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack in the comfort of his home. In addition to being a devoted family man, Chris was actively involved in the community. Chris was well-known for his positivity, leadership, boundless energy, generosity and integrity. As an active member of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce and board member at Extraordinary Ventures, Chris supported fellow business owners and members of the community. In addition, Chris owned The UPS Stores at Meadowmont and Fordham Boulevard and was a partner in Baguettaboutit.
Chris was fortunate to meet the love of his life, Marcy, at Catawba College; they were married in 1984. Chris was a devoted and loving husband, "Cool Rocking Daddy," caring son, fantastic brother and genuine friend to many. His children, Brett, Kelly and Torri, brought out the best in Chris as he excelled at fatherhood, supporting their every endeavor from school to scouts to sports. Chris loved classic rock music, making mix CDs, the beach, performing magic to delight others, working in his yard, being the king of the grill and planning gatherings with his life-long friends.
Chris is survived by his wife Marcy, his son, Brett, 27, and his daughters, Kelly, 25 and Torri, 19, his sister, Julie Derby Jaecksch of Martinez, CA, and his brother, Lee (Shelley) Derby of Damascus, MD, mother-in-law/father-in-law, Patricia and Melvin Hook of Pittsburgh, PA, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lisa Hook and Peter Gillon of Washington, DC, Dave Hook of Emeryville, CA, Polly Hook and David Lawlor of Irvine, CA, John and Katherine Hook of Pittsburgh, PA, and Chris and Tammy Hook of Cleveland, OH, as well as eight nieces and nephews. Chris was predeceased by his mother, Catherine L. Derby.
Chris brightened each and every day with his enormous smile, opening his heart to family, friends, employees, customers and community members. Chris touched many lives and all who knew him will continue to strive to emulate him and carry him in their hearts and memories always.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2015 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 940 Carmichael Street in Chapel Hill. In lieu of floral arrangements, the family requests that donations in memory of Chris be made to Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Road, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514.
Leonard James Maloney – Class of '67
John Robert Fitzpatrick, Class of '70
One thought on "William Christopher "Chris" Derby, Class of '75"
John Lau says:
I became good friends with Chris during our senior year. He, Mickey Eubanks and I performed magic shows at local schools and restaurants. We lost touch after high school. Years later, we both relocated to Chapel Hill, North Carolina and renewed our friendship . He actually catered my wedding. Chris leaves behind a wonderful family, who he was totally devoted to. RIP, Chris.