Reflections of Life

Mr. Charles Milton Derr, Sr., son of the late Major Derr, Jr. and Florence Ida Mae Forney Derr, was born on September 30, 1935 in Catawba County, North Carolina. He departed this earthly life on July 11, 2025 after a brief illiness, at Carolina Caring in Newton, North Carolina at the age of 89 years.

During the span of Charles M. Derr's adult life, he served our country in the United States Army. He held several part-time jobs, one of which was a highly cherished role-- that was his tenure of employment with the Embassy Theatre.

There, he thrived as the projectionist, and he proceeded to immerse himself into the world of movies. It sparked a lifelong love of a wide variety of movie genres.Over the years, Charles accumulated an amazingly vast collection of VHS tapes and DVD's.

Charles' second workplace love was his term at Shuford Mills, where he also thrived and delighted in his chosen occupation.

The senior Charles M. Derr was a perfectionist who took pride in his craftsmanship, specifically construction. He built small and medium-sized artifacts and large structures, including his own homes. And he passionately immersed himself into building storage cases for his beloved wife's statuette collections.

The elder Charles was a quiet, reserved man and was exceptionally knowledgeable about a plethora of topics. Conversations with him were always a treasure because they provided incredible learning experiences.

At the end of the day, family was the most discernible thread woven throughout every peak and valley of Charles, Sr.'s life. He had a deep, abiding love for his wife, son, siblings and other special family members who were dear to him. He embraced each one with his gigantic heart of gold.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille Derr; brothers Leander Derr, James Edward Derr, Wilmer N Derr, Franklin Derr; and sister Portia Derr-Shuford.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory, son Mitton Derr Jr. of Hickory, North Carolina; granddaughter Tionne Coulter of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, nieces Lydia P. Derr of Statesville, North Carolina, Bernadette Derr of Landover, Maryland, Carolyn Derr Powell of California; nephews Franklin Derr, Jr. of Cary, North Carolina and Stephen Silas Derr of Hickory, North Carolina; stepchildren, Tronda Montgomery, Anita Montgomery, Jeanette Montgomery, Gloria Montgomery, and Nelson Montgomery; other relatives, and many friends.

Celebration of Life Service to be held Friday, July 18, 2025 at Hartzell Memorial United Methodist Church, 465 South Center Street, Hickory, North Carolina at 2:00 p.m. with the Reverend Baim Imatha officiating. Family visitation will occur from 1:30-2:00 p.m. at the church. Dirk M Thompson Mortuary (828) 323-1980 is serving the Derr family. www.dirkmthompsonmortuary.com