Elbridge L. Derrick, Sr.

Elbridge Lamar Derrick Sr. Charleston - Elbridge Lamar Derrick Sr., 98, died Monday morning, May 6, 2013. Born January 22, 1915 in Richland County, SC, he was the son of Rev. Theodore Elbridge Derrick and Susan Bauknight Derrick. He spent his early years in several lowcountry towns, moving with his family as required by the Methodist minister's itinerant system. Mr. Derrick married the sweetheart of his life, Frances Austin Derrick, on June 23, 1940. He served in the United States Army, WWII, from 7 December 1944 through 26 May 1946. He began his career as a retail merchant with JC Penney then joined the Belk Company. He retired from Belk in 1977. His favorite activities were fishing, camping at the lake, and working in his yard. He taught his children and grandchildren to love and appreciate nature. He was the greatest storyteller in his family and many tales were told over the years. Surviving are two sons, Elbridge Lamar Derrick Jr. and Samuel Theodore Derrick; two daughters, Carolyn Frances Maier (Loran) and Susan Terry Beach (Jim); seven grandchildren, Jay, Greg, Brian, Michael, Jenni, Sammy, and Austin. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Rebecca, Savannah, Shelby, and Jack. Also surviving are his sister-in-laws, Coleen Derrick and Enid Derrick. He was predeceased by sisters, Dorothy D. Thomas, Clelia Hendrix, Virginia McCormack, Esther D. Britt, and brothers Calvin Derrick and Theodore Derrick. The relatives and friends of Elbridge L. Derrick, Sr. are invited to attend his Funeral Service at 1:00 PM, Friday, May 10, 2013, at the James A. McAlister Chapel, 1620 Savannah Highway. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to East Cooper Meals on Wheels, 2304 N. Highway 17, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 or Hospice of Charleston, 676 Wando Park Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.