Derek Williams unexpectedly passed away on October 30th, 2023 in El Paso, Texas. He was born January 8th, 1978 in Manchester NH. He was the son of Donald G. & Arline E. (Jobin) Williams.
Growing up he attended St Anthony’s Grammar School, Memorial High School, St Anthony’s Youth Group and was a proud member of Boy Scout Troop 118.
He married Vanessa (Fillio) Williams of Londonderry, NH, together they shared 16 amazing years and had two children together.
Derek’s survivors include his wife Vanessa Williams, son Brennan Williams, and daughter Alanna Williams. He also leaves behind his sister Megan Quinn-Mueller, her husband Kurt Mueller and their son Kaden Quinn-Mueller, aunt Helen Williams, as well as Vanessa’s parents Roger and Valerie Fillio, their family, and several cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Armand and Hilda Williams, Edward and Gisele Jobin, his godparents, along with uncle Bernard Jobin and his wife Louise (Allard) Jobin.
Derek served our country in the U.S. Army for 25 years. He rose through the enlisted ranks to Sergeant First Class (E7). He was a week away from retirement when he passed away. During his time in the U.S. Army he traveled extensively with military deployments and duty stations. Places included: Germany, KY, AL, CO, KS, TX, as well as being deployed for several overseas tours in Bosnia, Kosovo, Korea and 2 tours in Iraq.
Derek excelled at and enjoyed several hobbies including being in his high school’s Ham Radio Club, Bowling League, Army Flag Football and Ping Pong tournaments. He excelled in all sports and all military skills such as marksmanship. He was even a two-time chili cooking champion at Fort Riley, KS.
Derek was the most loving, kind, caring, person. He was an amazing son, brother, father, friend, leader, mentor and teammate. Derek was known and loved for his great sense of humor. He loved joking around, teasing, and would make anyone’s day better.
Derek’s compassion ran deep for his friends and family. He loved in a selfless manner and would always be the first person to help. Derek loved his children and was the best possible father that anyone could wish for. He inspired his family and his soldiers to be leaders and great Americans. When his father had cancer and was in the hospital, Derek dropped everything and flew in to support everyone affected. He was an all-around hero.
SFC Williams will have services and ceremonies in his honor on two fronts. Visitation will be held from 1:00pm to 2:30pm on Saturday November 11th, 2023 with funeral ceremony to follow at 2:30pm. Those will take place at Veterans Funeral Care in Clearwater, FL (830 N. Belcher Rd.) Reverend Father Bob Swick (Capt, USMC, Ret.) will officiate. Derek will be laid to rest on Monday November 13th, 2023 at Bay Pines National Cemetery. Ceremonies will include full military honors furnished by the US Army Honor Guard and will begin at 3:00pm. All guests/attendees are invited to arrive at 2:30pm for the 3:00pm commencement.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in Derek’s name.
Wounded Warrior Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/mental-wellness (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/mental-wellness)
Don, Arline & Family,
We are so heartbroken to hear of Derek’s passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time.
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Jim & Beth Robinton
Arline, Don, and families: My sincerest condolences. I met Derek and his family a few times via your St Patrick’s Day get togethers. This is a devastating loss for your families.
May he rest in a place of light, happiness and peace (passage quoted from the Byzantine funeral rites)
Distance makes it impossible to attend services, however, know that I am with you in my heart and prayers.
Ken Monty
Manchester, NH
Arlene & Don & family
My heart is broken for you and your family. There are no words to help ease your pain. I sincerely hope that you will feel all the love and prayers that surround you all at this time. My most sincere condolences to you all.
Jenny Kane
Arlene’s Anthem co worker
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your son. What an admirable life he has led — too short, but with so much accomplished in the days given him. We can only begin to imagine the sadness you and his wife and children and many friends and colleagues must be experiencing.
We are having a Mass said at St. Anthony’s on Sunday, December 10, at 9:30; we will be praying for you all.
With sympathy, Harve and Jeanne Tancrede
I am heartbroken to hear of Derek’s passing, his family spoke highly of him. Rest in peace Derek.
We are sorry for the loss of your son. Always heard
terrific stories about your son. Prayers to all the family at this time.
May you find Peace and that he is watching over the
family .
God Bless
Dear Friends,
Terri and I were stunned to hear this today. Both of us will keep Derek and his whole family in our prayers. There’s no doubt in our minds that our Lord has welcomed this fine young man with a hearty “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
We are blessed to have had the chance to know Derek, and will always consider him one of our ‘other’ sons.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
M&T
So very sorry for your loss