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Portrait of Derek Joshua Abbott
VETERAN
In Honor of

Derek Joshua Abbott

CW4
February 14, 1982 – February 23, 2024
Lived 42 years
Itawamba Memorial Gardens · Fulton, MS
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
In service to country

Thank you for your service

Derek served in the armed forces. We honor that service here.

Life story

Derek is married to his Smoking Hot wife Brandi. They united as One Heart July 21, 2006. They were 3rd grade sweethearts and fell more and more in love every day. Derek was often referred to as "Brandi's Husband" and carried that title with honor, as does she as "Derek's Wife". They have walked through a lot of fires together with Jesus. (Maybe that's where they got that "smoking hot" term from :) They have 3 beautiful, God fearing children, Chandler, Breanna, and Grayson. Two German exchange daughters, Sarah and Pauline, and a number of God children. Derek was a Pilot for PHI which he absolutely loved and cherished, making a difference, one flight at a time. He was also a Lakota Pilot for the Delta Company 2/151st unit in Tupelo, Ms. Prior to this, he was an Apache Pilot. He was a 'shop local' guy and loved serving in his church at Crossroads and in the community every time he got a chance. He loved being a Soldier and serving his country. He proudly walked this walk and honored this journey and took it very serious in all he did. He was an amazing son and brother and dear friend.

He favorite thing to do in this entire would was spend time with his family. If you have read this far, we want to encourage you. You only get one chance on this side of Heaven to Love and be Loved. Take the time. Book the tickets. Watch the move. Go to the concert. Dance in the rain. Ride the horse. Take the trip. Get uncomfortable together. Have tickle wars. And just be present. Your time is the greatest gift you can give your family and friends. Your ministry begins in the 4 walls of your home. That's where you make the difference. God bless you. <3

www.becomingoneheart.com

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The world Derek knew

Family milestones in gold, history for context

1982
Born February 14
1989
Derek was 7 when "The Simpsons" debuted as a series
1997
Derek was 15 when "Titanic" opened in theaters
1998
Derek was 16 when Google was founded
2001
Derek was 19 when the United States began military operations in Afghanistan
2002
My 1st God given Son Chandler
2003
Derek was 21 when the Iraq War began
2006
Married to my Smoking Hot Wife
2008
My 1st beautiful daughter Breanna
2010
My 1st born son Grayson
2024
Passed away February 23, age 42
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Itawamba Memorial Gardens
Fulton, MS
Plot: 113 A
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