Derek attended Dixie co. schools,he loved hunting,mechanicing,welding,and spending time hanging with his step dad rob, he loved playing pool and building race cars,he was a very energetic guy, he had many friends and before he passed away he got married and had 2 gorgeous children,Derek jr.and Diamond,they was his pride and joy.                                                                Derek also had a brother Wesley and a sister Miranda, plus 4 half brothers and sisters,he lived in dixie co. fla. up til he passed,he was always looking for things to rebuild and tare down,he was a wiz at working on small engines,he also knew how to fiberglass he learned that from his mom Tammy, he spent alot of time with his step dad and best friend Rob, they was always working on things,and playing with 4 wheelers and gocarts,and of course he also had his mama's temper he wouldnt back down from anyone and he would hurt a person over his mom and his kids,he loved his family very much and would do anything for them, he was a good friend,father,brother and son, we will miss you and love you always.                                                                                                                  derek had a few men in his life that loved him, one was his grandpa eugene padgett,the sec. was the first father in his life, mike hughlon,the 3rd was john rowe who raised him as his son and adopted him at 4 yrs.old and his brother wesley who he loved very much, 4th was his papa bobby,the 5th was his biological father donnie ward and the last was his step dad robert bryant not only a father fig. but his best friend.