Terry Gene Derreberry, Sr.

Gastonia - Terry Gene Derreberry, Sr., 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Robin Johnson Hospice House with his loving family by his side. 

He was born in Gaston County on November 10, 1935 and was the son of the late David A. Derreberry and Lassie Postell Derreberry. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son, Terry G. Derreberry, Jr.; granddaughter, Brittany Leigh Bridges; brothers, Ralph and Ray Derreberry; and sisters, Lillian Voyles and Peggy Smith.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corp.  He also served with the Army National Guard and retired from the Air Guard with over 22 years. Terry was also a member of the VFW and enjoyed his fellowship with them. Terry worked at McLean Funeral Directors for 13 years after retiring.  He was a member of First Freewill Baptist Church and retired from Bell South (Southern Bell) with over 30 years of service. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and papaw.

Terry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sarah Parker Derreberry; his daughter, Tammy Wright; grandson, Patrick Utt and fiancée Erica Robinson; great grandchildren, Kyndall Bridges, Mila Revis, Jace, and Kade Marlow; brothers, David and wife Joyce Derreberry, and Steve Derreberry; sister, Virginia Falls; sister-in-law, Peggy and James Kirk; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Monday, March 6, 2023 at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at First Freewill Baptist Church with Reverend Darin Gibbs and Reverend William Calvert officiating. Interment will follow at Gaston Memorial Park with Military honors by the Gaston County Honor Guard and U.S. Marine Corp.

 Pallbearers will be Patrick Utt, Kelly Leatherwood, Parker Leatherwood Jimmy Rogers, Daniel Marlow and Joey Bridges

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Freewill Baptist Church, 2316 Union Road, Gastonia, NC  28054 or Gaston Hospice, P.O. Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com 

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.