On June 10, 2025, Derek Lenn Smith left this Earth to, in his words, “go live with Jesus and his mom.” Following a long battle with complications from diabetes, Derek passed with those he loved surrounding him. Derek never met a stranger and would talk to people he just met like they had been friends forever; he would often invite himself to the table of someone sitting by themselves just so that person wouldn’t feel lonely. He loved to make people laugh and to take care of the ones he loved, even resorting to calling his family members multiple times a day just to check on them. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, listening to Bruce Springsteen, eating fried chicken and cherry pie, and playing with his grandchildren. Derek was born on December 29th, 1961, to Billie Ray and Dana Gail (Midkiff) Smith of Norris City. He attended Norris City-Omaha High School and graduated in 1980. Shortly after graduating, he met his wife of 43 years, Jamie Sue (Graves) Smith, and they had two daughters. Derek and Jamie enjoyed spending vacations together on St. George Island each summer. Derek worked for many years at Pattiki Coal Mine where he made long-lasting friendships with many of his co-workers.
Derek is survived by his father, Bill Smith of Norris City; his wife, Jamie Smith of Norris City; his daughters, Brittany (Bryan) Ramsey and Hilary (Ben) Vinyard of Norris City; his grandchildren, Stryder and Rylan Ramsey and Lyla and Noah Vinyard of Norris City; a brother, Brett (Darlene) Smith of Mt. Carmel, Illinois; a sister, Sonya (Brian) Smith of Newburgh, Indiana, and many nieces and nephews. Derek was preceded in death by his loving mother, Dana Smith.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Ditney Ridge Baptist Church. Family and friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana Midkiff-Smith Memorial Scholarship at Banterra Bank in Norris City, and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home in Norris City. Donations may also be mailed to 609 W. Main St. Carmi, IL. 62821. Derek’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the nurses and staff at Gallatin Manor for taking such incredible care of Derek in the final weeks of his life. Your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten.
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