Derrick Anthony Smith, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, departed this

life on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Born in Fairfax, VA, on November 30, 1954, he was

one of eighteen children to Nettie and Stanley Smith Sr.

Derrick attended Fairfax High School and answered a lifelong call to serve when he

joined Fairfax County Fire and Rescue in 1979. He proudly served as an EMT for 25 years

—something he often reminded his children during his good-natured dad lectures. He

rose to the rank of Lieutenant in 1989 and led with courage and compassion until his

retirement in August 2002. He was also a proud member of the Progressive Firefighters of

Fairfax County, a non-profit, all-Black firefighters association.

Derrick met his wife, Thelma, in 1976, and they married on February 8, 1986. Like his

father, Stanley, he had a love for baseball. He played left field for multiple teams,

including Oakland Baptist Church, Fells Masonry, Sneaker Jam, and Unisex (Shine). He

loved to listen to jazz music. He found peace watching football, tennis, and golf. He

could always unwind with his comfort show, "Dr. Pol," and never tire of watching the

movie "The Hateful Eight". Blessed with a green thumb, he took great pride in tending to

his yard and bringing beauty every season.

Derrick is survived by his wife, Thelma Smith; three daughters, Maria Jackson, Alysia

(Barry) Adams, and Dominique Smith. He also leaves behind two grandchildren, Adrien

"Pete" and Anayah "Nuncey" Jackson, and three great-grandchildren, Za'mir, Zoey, and

Isla. He is also survived by his siblings, Beth, Patrice, Carolyn, Donald (Lyonette), Marc,

Frederick, Jeffrey, Amber, Robert, and Freda: four sisters-in-law, Melissa, Brenda, Valerie,

and Edna, and one brother-in-law, Robert.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Nettie Smith Sr., and his siblings

Stanley (Fuzzy) Smith Jr., Steven (Woody) Smith, Doris (Cookie) Smith, Glenn Smith,

David Smith, Linda Smith, and Clarence (Pig Boat) Smith.

Derrick's life was defined by service, loyalty, humor, and love. His legacy lives on in the

family, his colleagues, and the community he so faithfully served. He will be deeply

missed and forever remembered.