James Eugene "Buddy" Derrick, age 93, of Gulfport, Mississippi formerly of Benton, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, May 10, 2023 in the Armed Forces Military Retirement Home in Gulfport where he lived for 9 years. He was born November 1, 1929 in Benton. James was a retired Sr. Master Sgt. in the USAF serving for 28 years during which time he served in Vietnam from 1964 to 1965. Buddy was of the Baptist Faith.

He was preceded in death by parents, James P. Derrick and Faye Hogue Derrick, his former wife, Bois Derrick, two sisters, Shirley Mitchell, and Billie Weise.

Survivors, daughter and son-in-law, Brenda (Rick) Wright, Rebecca Wilson, semi adopted daughter, Chandra Richards, aunt and uncle, Sue and Dewey Billings, of Kansas, host of nieces and nephews, brother-in-law, Timan Mitchell, and his Mississippi friends, Gerald Boone, Frank Davis and Karen White, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Family wishes to give special thanks to the staff of the Armed Forces Military Retirement Home for their care.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Wednesday at Ashby's.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Thursday at Ashby Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Rosemont Cemetery. Minister will be Nick Hamilton.

Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com