
William
Bradford Derr
Feb 10, 1992 Apr 12, 2016
Memorial Gathering
Location
Hope Church
Date
Fri, April 22, 2016
Time
2 : 00 PM – 12 : 00 AM
Obituary message
Our sweet, funny, son, brother, nephew, cousin, grandson and friend, William Bradford Derr, 24, passed away on Tuesday, April 12, 2016. As those who struggle with addiction know, it is a daily fight, hour by hour, and is ever constant. Billy had some extended periods of sobriety, those were the times when his true genuine heart shined through. Billy loved his family and is survived by his parents, Jenny and Kevin Derr, his sister Jordan and his brother Harrison. He is also survived by his grandparents Judy and Bill Gallagher, his Auntie Ann and Uncle Mike Covington, cousin Mason and his wife Erin and their girls, Haylen, Harper and Oakleigh, his cousins Matthew and Mackenzie, whom he loved like brothers. Also surviving are his Auntie Jill and Uncle Mike Zohab and cousins Jack and Sam, his Aunt Amy Champion and cousins Ellis and Luke, his Uncle Billy and Aunt Angela Gallagher, and cousins Addison and Camden and his Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Amy Gallagher and cousins Gracie and Michael. Billy is also survived by Victoria Kiarsis who he loved and with whom he shared a special friendship. Billy was predeceased by his paternal grandfather Bill Derr, paternal grandparents Peg and Harry Flippo, Uncle Greg Derr and Uncle John Champion. Billy knew that all 30 in his family loved him greatly.
To the people who don’t understand addiction, he may be just another kid who made a “bad choice.” For those who do understand the disease, this was our oldest child, a brother, a friend and as his mother, my children are my everything. The disease of addiction is non-discriminatory and without mercy. It is up to us to open our minds and hearts to those suffering from the disease. We will continue to fight the fight.
Billy’s gentle heart and sense of humor endeared him to his friends and family. He was compassionate and mischievous and loved good food, sports and music. The worry we felt watching Billy struggle has been replaced by a deep feeling of loss, knowing that we will never see his blue eyes and smiling face again.
There will be a celebration of life honoring Billy on Friday April 22 at 2 pm at Hope Church, 12445 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23238. There will be a reception immediately following the service at the Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to either Godwin High School Project Purple in honor of Billy Derr. 2101 Pump Road, Henrico, Virginia 23238. Or Caron Treatment Center, in memory of Billy Derr. P.O. Box 150, Wernersville, PA 19565, www.caron.org/give-to-caron/donate-form
Kim Cohen lit a candle for William Bradford Derr
Jenny, Al and I were devastated when we got the news. Our hearts reaching out to you in love and care and support. Your son was so handsome and obviously such a great lovable guy. Sending you a hug and prayers and all our love. Mary.
So sorry for your loss. My 34 yo nephew died last year from his addiction.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Jenny, I will always remember how you came in and spoke with me at Byrd and how much I appreciated everything you shared with me. You are a special mom. Please give a Harrison a hug.Dianna Barron
Sending you healing and comfort.
Jill Zohab lit a candle for William Bradford Derr
My heart goes out to you. We also lost my stepdaughter , my daughters beloved sister to this awful disease. So inspired by your desire to help others with addictions. She was a Godwin student .Faith ,hope and love .
I will never forget that impish grin of second grade Billy that then became the beautiful smile of Billy, the man. He has always been one of my favorites and we are heartbroken that this terrible addiction has taken him from us and his wonderful family. Rest in peace with the Lord, Billy. The demons cannot touch you any more.
I do not know Billy but saw his beautifully honest obit on Facebook. I too lost my son, Tommy, my baby, in February 2016. I was also honest in his obituary. This needs to be shared in hopes that it will save someone else. He also was 24 and was all the wonderful things your son was. I am so very sorry for your pain. Stephanie Sowell, another heartbroken Mom.
It was a wonderful, touching and heartfelt tribute to Billy and our prayers go out to the entire Gallagher family and especially the Derrs.Jill and Peter
Emma lit a candle for William Bradford Derr
Coniglio lit a candle for William Bradford Derr
Sharon lit a candle for William Bradford Derr
Jenny, Kevin, Jordan, & Harrison…I cannot begin to understand your loss. My heart aches for you all.We will keep you all in our prayers.Jenny, your touching & honest obituary will help more than you can imagine.Love,Heather
.Dear Derr Family,My heart goes out to you and yours…….I, too, lost my son, Ryan C. Canary to this horrific disease………addiction……..he was only 25 yrs old………May God keep you and your family close and never give up the fight…….your precious son will live on in your happy memories of him……..God bless you all……
Amy Denney lit a candle for William Bradford Derr
We send our love and heartfelt sympathy for your family. I lost my oldest brother to a drug overdose many years ago so I know some of what you are feeling. It is a tremendous loss for all of you and we pray for your comfort and peace as you face the days ahead. May the Lord strengthen you and give you understanding. I am sure Billy is in a good place and is now out of his struggle. Our hearts are with you. Love, Greg and Suzie Romans xoxo
Toni Collins Pasi lit a candle for William Bradford Derr
Jenny, Kevin, Jordan and Harrison,You and your entire familiy are in our hearts and our prayers during this most difficult time. We will be there for you in any way that is needed. We love you all and our arms are wrapped tight around you all.
David, Julia, Ava, Isabel, Sophia, and Lillian Stokes lit a candle for William Bradford Derr
Joseph and Mary Costa lit a candle for William Bradford Derr
Jenny, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I am so glad that I got to share that short talk with you and hear more about Billy. Thank you for that. Remember on your darkest days you will see a light and it will be of Billy and his smile and all the good times that he gave you all those years.God bless all of you, Joe and Mary Costa.
Katie Wood lit a candle for William Bradford Derr
I was saddened beyond words to hear the news about Billy today. My prayers for peace are with you and your wonderful family. In that smile in his face, the warmth of those memories, the love of your families, and the strength and resolve in your message that I read today, I pray and am sure, that you will find that peace in time.
We were fortunate to have known Billy very well and to know Billy was to love him. He was a warm and wonderful guy and we will miss him very much. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Betty Derr lit a candle for William Bradford Derr
Jenny, Bill, Jordan and Harrison,I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you…Many hugs and many prayers,Dana Marie Buchanan
Sophia and Lillian Stokes lit a candle for William Bradford Derr
Valerie Stern lit a candle for William Bradford Derr
Robert W Sargent lit a candle for William Bradford Derr
I met Billy when he moved to Boston. We were in recovery together. I was always impressed by his respect and empathy for others. This disease is cunning,baffling and powerful. He helped many on his path. So many reasons to be proud of this young man.
Jenny and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss.Sandy Hawkins, Charleston, WV
Kevin and Jenny and extended family, We share in your grief and loss and your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. The Alstons
Jake Jacobs lit a candle for William Bradford Derr
Jenny, Kevin, Jordan, Harrison and your entire extended wonderful family, my heart and prayers go out to all of you during this most difficult time. The obituary was so beautifully written. I wish I had known Billy as he sounded like such a kind, funny young man. As a mom of 3 children I can only imagine your pain and sorrow. Please know that we all support and love you all and we are here for you always! Love Linda Schiavone
Thank you for sharing his spirit with the world. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Karen Kiarsis lit a candle for William Bradford Derr
Dear Jenny, Jordan, and family ~ I am so sorry to hear about this. The love you have for Billy is apparent in your honesty and bravery. Thank you for sharing his story which will, no doubt change and save lives. Love and comfort to you all.
Daisy Massey Moossa(from Pure Barre)