Derek Wesley Miller, beloved son of Tommy and Carolyn Miller, was born January 7, 1981 in Blytheville, AR. He departed this life to his heavenly home September 29, 2021.

Derek grew up in Clarendon and Holly Grove from the age of two. He graduated from Clarendon High School in 1999. He went on to study Agricultural Business at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and graduated in 2003. In college, he was a member of the Baptist Student Union and went on a mission trip to São Paulo, Brazil.

Derek had many loves from an early age. He loved deer hunting, fishing, farming, and sports. The Arkansas Razorbacks and St. Louis Cardinals were in his bloodline. He was a Cub Scout with his mother as the leader and became an Eagle Scout with his dad as the Scoutmaster. In high school, he played football and baseball for the Mighty Clarendon Lions. He earned All-District in football as a defensive tackle.

During his early years, he would tell friends that he wanted to be a brain surgeon. His future changed drastically at 13 when he was diagnosed with a severe case of narcolepsy. A few years later at 19, he was diagnosed with another devastating illness. He persevered in school and graduated from college.

After college Derek farmed. He loved being a country boy on the family farm with lots of woods for hunting. Unfortunately, his two chronic illnesses were too much for him to continue this career.

Derek loved his Memaw's and Mama's cooking. He would call daily to see what his mom was planning for supper. But most of all he just loved his Mama. He had a deep love and appreciation for her. Although he liked to poke at her as much as he could, he knew she babied him and loved him unconditionally.

During Derek's battle with his illnesses, he would read the Bible when he could not sleep. He was amazing to listen to with his knowledge of the Bible. Derek, Dad, and Mom would watch Jeopardy competing against one another with Derek usually the winner. He had a surprising depth of knowledge in many areas.

Above all, Derek loved God and his family. He doted on his new niece and nephew, Talia Jayne and Rhett Thomas. He looked forward to watching them grow up. He was not planning to leave this world so soon.  God called him home for reasons we cannot understand. We know that Derek is now finally free from the constant physical and mental anguish that he experienced every day of his life since the age of 13.

Derek was preceded in death by his two grandfathers: Gene Miller and Glen Spurlock.

He is survived by his parents: Tommy and Carolyn Miller, a brother: Reagan Miller (Lacey), niece: Talia Jayne, nephew: Rhett Thomas, his grandmothers: Flo Miller and Mary Frances Spurlock Coffman, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorials can be made to the Holly Grove Presbyterian Church, in c/o of Jean Kirkpatrick, 51 Kirkpatrick Lane, Holly Grove, AR 72069.