Derek Andrew Ball

The funeral service to celebrate his remarkable journey will be held in the chapel of Albritton Funeral Directors on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. The family will receive friends before the service from 12:30 - 1:45 P.M.  The interment will be held at 4:00 P.M. at Buck Creek Cemetery, 280 Buck Creek Road, Norman Park, Georgia 31771.

Derek Andrew Ball - a BMX rider, welder, and loving family member - passed away on October 28, 2023, in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Born on August 8, 1985, in Tifton, Georgia, Derek lived a life filled with adventure, creativity, and cherished relationships.

The family will provide a red ribbon for everyone attending his service, since he died during red ribbon week, which is recognized every year from October 23^rd to 31^st   This week represents a united stand against substance abuse and its destructive effects on individuals, and families.

Jon Patrick, Skylar Monteiro, Ronnie Weeks, Trey Beatty, Jared Alley and Johnathan Warren will serve as pallbearers.  Deric Godwin, Jeremy Hathcock, Josh Huguley, Kyle Sumner, and the staff and members of Oasis Recovery Centers will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Derek's passion for BMX biking began at a young age and soon transformed into a successful career. As a professional BMX biker, he was sponsored by renowned brands such as Monster Energy and Ketch. With every jump and daring trick he performed on his bike, Derek enthralled audiences and inspired those around him with his fearlessness and determination.
Outside of biking, Derek applied his talent and skills as a welding and fabrication technician. He dedicated himself to his craft, showcasing both artistic flair and technical expertise. Many can still admire the wall murals that Derek painted throughout his life.

Derek graduated from Cook County High School in 2003. He then pursued his passions further by attending Wiregrass Georgia Technical College for welding and obtained a degree in Business Management and Marketing from Southern Regional Technical College.

Derek's vibrant personality radiated through his various interests. An adept artist in drawing and welding, he found immense joy in expressing himself through these mediums. He possessed an adventurous spirit that led him to embrace thrilling experiences – always seeking new heights to conquer.

One of Derek's most cherished pastimes was fishing alongside his brother and, granddaddy fishing at the river. Whether it was saltwater fishing, riding jet skis with his Dad or casting a line in the river he enjoyed being on the water.

Family held a special place in Derek's heart. He treasured the time spent with his nieces and nephews, filling their lives with laughter and love. Some of his favorite times were watching his nephew Hagan Slimp play football and teaching him how to drive a stick shift vehicle.  Derek's passing leaves a void in the lives of those he held dear, but his spirit will forever be woven into their hearts.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dan and Patricia Ball, Bessie and Abe Stewart, his Aunt Lottie Beatty and her husband Chuck, and his uncle Wayne Phagan

Derek is survived by his mother, Susan Stewart Keene who was one of his biggest supporters, along with his stepfather, Lark Keene. His father, Ronny Ball, also mourns his loss. He is remembered fondly by his brother Michael Delk and sister-in-law Lisa, as well as his sister Natalie Vice and brother-in-law Matt. Derek's step-siblings, Katie Folds and her husband Dustin Folds, and Kara Lively and her husband Matthew Lively, stand with heavy hearts. Among the relatives who will miss him dearly are Albert and Carole Stewart (Maternal Uncle), Joyce and Chuck Roegge (Maternal Aunt), Teresa Phagan (Paternal Aunt), Rocky and Shannon Ball (Paternal Uncle), Troy and Staci Ball (Paternal Uncle), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.