Ralph Kahn Derryberry

Published 3:49 pm Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Ralph Kahn Derryberry passed away February 11, 2021 at the age of 93. He was born August 31, 1927 to the late Sherod D. Derryberry, Sr. and Florence Turner Derryberry.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Barbara Derryberry (Jeff, Sr.) Rose, Florence Derryberry (Paul F., Sr.) Oppy and Juanita Derryberry (Earl) Mallow; brother, Sherod D. Derryberry, Jr.; brothers-in-law, Maurice Brown and Jennings Bryan Peeke, Jr.; sister-in-law, Myrtle Peeke (Chick) Romito and father and mother-in-law, Jennings Bryan Peeke, Sr. and Flora Bell Peeke.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Peeke Derryberry; son, David (Sandy) Derryberry and their children, Zac, Sherod and Brooke; son, Michael D. Derryberry and his son, Eric; son, Kevin (Connie) Derryberry and their children, Cassy (Scott) Dailey, Marky and Cameron; several great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom were greatly loved by him.

During Ralph’s younger years, he spent much of his time at, his home away from home, the Broad Street Y.M.C.A., where his brother, Sherod, Jr. was employed. He became one of Paul Grist’s boys and in later years was also an employee of the Y.M.C.A. After graduating from Albert G. Parrish High School in 1946, Ralph served in the U.S. Army for one and a half years. He was assigned to the Los Alamos Project, stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

In 1948, upon his discharge from the Service, Ralph was employed by Hohenberg Bros. Cotton Merchants. At the time of his retirement, Ralph had advanced to become a Vice-President in the Company, and had a service record of 41 plus years, retiring at age 63 and enjoyed 30 years of retirement.

In 2006, Ralph was honored by Samford University as Layman of The Year for his dedicated service to the Lord in his Church, community, and State-wide missions. Funeral services will be Saturday, February 27, 2021 beginning at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church with Dr. Jerry Light officiating and Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home directing. Interment will follow at New Live Oak Cemetery. Visitation with the family will begin at the church at 10 a.m. The funeral service will be live streamed at http://watchlawrence.live via the funeral home’s Facebook page for those who are unable to attend in person.

Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Samuel O. Moseley Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Kevin Derryberry Ministries; 112 Kingsley Court, Alabaster, Alabama 35007.