Paul Austin Derryberry

February 24, 1932 - July 13, 2014

Paul Austin Derryberry, age 82, resident of Ft. Myers, FL passed away, peacefully with his family by his side, to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 13, 2014 at Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville, TN. He was born on February 24, 1932 in Columbia, TN. He was a faithful member of the Church of Christ for the last 25 years. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday at 2:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home, with Pastors Gene Shelton and Mark Lindstrom officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM, and 1 hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of and assisting the family with arrangements. The Maury County native was the son of the late Emmett Howard Derryberry and Mary C. (Winchester) Derryberry. He was preceded in death by brothers: Emmett Edward, James David, Terry Eugene, Andrew Nathan, and Lester Harlan Derryberry; and sisters: Mary Virginia Carpenter and Mildred Ann Lunn. Paul moved to Michigan in the early 50's to work for General Motors and raise his family. He was a UAW union representative for most of his career, including rising to the level of President of Pontiac Motor Local 653. His most important accomplishment was the love he shared with his family. He loved politics, fishing, telling stories and being a servant to others. He loved people in general and never met a stranger. Paul was a lifelong Detroit Tigers fan and loved listening to County Music. Since his retirement in 1988 he has made his home in Columbia, TN. and Ft. Myers, FL. He is survived by his wife of 36 years: Bonnie Perkins Derryberry and his son from their marriage: Austin Lloyd Derryberry of Ft. Myers, FL. He is also survived by his first wife, and lifelong friend, Virge (Sue Hill) Humphrey of Lapeer, MI, and their children: Paula (David) Hutchins of Clarkston, MI, Guy (Lorie) Derryberry of Columbia, TN, Murray (Peggy) Derryberry of Pulaski, TN, Teresa (Rick) Ogg of Clarkston, MI, Alan (Alana) Derryberry of Lapeer, MI, and Darryl (Karen) Derryberry of Lapeer, MI; 20 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister: Elizabeth Grace Bolton of Columbia, TN. Pallbearers will be grandsons: Chris Parker, Zachary Derryberry, Corey Derryberry, Wesley Derryberry, Danny Derryberry, D.J. Derryberry, Brandon Miller, Eric Ogg, Adam Derryberry and Alex Derryberry.