Charlottesville native Derrick Jay Harris, 62, passed away January 1, 2025, after a lengthy cancer battle.

Derrick returned to the city he loved to live out his final days following a lifetime of serving his country with the United States Air Force. Following his retirement as a Master Sergeant, after 24 years of active duty, Derrick continued working with the Air Force for another 18 years.

Derrick attended Charlottesville and Albemarle High Schools, graduating in 1981 from Albemarle. After joining the Air Force in 1982, Derrick was stationed in California, Guam, Arkansas, Washington, Mississippi, Kansas, Germany and Georgia. He was deployed for Operation Desert Storm, for the war in Iraq, and for the Kosovo Conflict. He was named NCO of the Year while at Rhein Main Air Force Base, Germany and received a number of accolades and medals in his career. After his retirement in 2004, Derrick served as the Casualty Representative at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, GA, and at Arnold AFB in Tullahoma, TN. He had a passion for fishing, golf, running, college football, and in his later years, baking for friends and family. He was a talented musician, playing the guitar and the mandolin. Derrick also ran the Frankfurt, Germany Marathon in 1999, and numerous half marathons, 5ks, etc., over the last 25 years.

He was predeceased by his father, Darwin Harris; his mother, Jean Harris; and his brother, Daniel "Spike" Harris.

He is survived by his daughter, Emma Mize and her husband, Stephen Mize; along with two beautiful grandchildren, Lydia and Dean; brother, Dennis Harris, his wife Jackie; and nephew Dylan; his stepmother, Sharon Harris; his brother J. D. Harris; and niece Alex; and his sister-in-law, Karen Lynn Woodring; along with numerous aunts; uncles; cousins and cherished friends.

In accordance with his wishes, the family will hold a Celebration of Life in the spring.

Teague Funeral Service

Submitted by MaryAnn Robertson.