Derrick O’Neal Dabney was born to Ruth and O’Neal Dabney in Cleveland, Ohio, on December 3, 1957. Derrick was the eldest to his brother Michael.

Derrick believed in God and carried that belief in his own quiet and personal way. Although he never married and had no children of his own, Derrick was blessed with a large and loving extended family. He shared a special bond with his many aunts, uncles and cousins who brought love, companionship, and joy into his life.

Derrick was a proud product of the Cleveland Public School System, where he attended and graduated from Glenville High School in 1975.

Some of the fondest memories of Derrick were at family gatherings. During the holidays the Dabney home, where Derrick’s parents Ruth and Neal, welcomed family from both sides, was often filled with love, laughter and good food. Relatives would come together to celebrate the holidays and enjoy one another’s company, creating special memories that have remained with the family through the years.

For Derrick and his cousins, those childhood days were a special time of family and togetherness. The Dabney home held a special place in those memories, and the warmth of those gatherings is something that continues to be remembered and cherished today.

If you knew Derrick, you knew that he believed in dressing to the hills. His appearance and sense of style were something that stayed with him throughout his life. During his school years, his friends affectionately gave him the nicknames “Slim” and “GQ,” because Derrick always dressed as though he had just stepped out of the pages of GQ magazine. Even something as simple as dropping off packages

at the post office was an opportunity for Derrick to step out looking as though he had somewhere very important to be.

As Derrick grew older, his love for looking sharp remained a memorable part of who he was. He took great pride in his appearance and was known for making sure he looked his best. Whether he was wearing a nice pair of slacks with a jacket or one of his favorite vests, Derrick always made sure he looked his best. He had his own distinctive style and took pride in putting an outfit together. And when Derrick stepped out with his friends, he didn’t just look good—he made sure he arrived in style, too.

Derrick was also known for always having a nice vehicle. He preferred leasing rather than purchasing his vehicles because, as he would say, every couple of years he could have something new to drive. He especially loved Mercedes-Benz and often spoke about how smooth the ride was. Derrick liked his rides smooth, stylish, and with a little get-up-and-go.

Some may not know that Derrick also had a motorcycle at one point in his younger years. Those who remember that time may recall that Derrick enjoyed the thrill of being on the open road. Whether behind the wheel of his Mercedes-Benz or on his motorcycle, Derrick had an appreciation for a smooth ride and certainly didn’t mind a little speed.

Even something as simple as dropping off packages at the post office was an opportunity for Derrick to step out looking as though he had somewhere very important to be.

In his later years, Derrick’s style became more relaxed, but those who knew him will always remember the pride he took in looking his best. His “GQ” spirit and distinctive sense of style were a memorable part of the Derrick that his family and friends knew and loved.

Derrick also had a genuine interest in eBay and enjoyed buying and selling items through the platform. He took pride in finding interesting items and staying involved with his eBay activities. Derrick also had an interest in stocks and enjoyed following the stock market and learning about investments. These interests reflected his curiosity, independence, and enjoyment of exploring new opportunities.

Everyone who knew Derrick knew that he enjoyed his beer and tequila. Derrick had a way of enjoying the things he liked, and his favorite beverages were certainly no secret. As the family would say, Derrick could always make room for a cold beer or a little tequila. It was simply another one of those things that made Derrick who he was, and those who knew him will smile when they remember it.

Throughout his working years, Derrick worked for several companies. He began his career at Union Carbide and later worked for S.K. Wellman. He eventually joined Giant Eagle, where he worked until his retirement.

Derrick was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Ruth Dabney, and his brother, Michael Dabney.

He leaves to cherish his memory his father, O’Neal Dabney; his aunts, Dorothy Autrey of Montgomery, Alabama, Legrat Dabney of Cleveland, Ohio, and Margaret Jamison of Cleveland, Ohio; along with a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends who will forever cherish the memories they shared with him.