REVEREND DR. J. DERRILL SMITH
The Reverend Dr. J. Derrill Smith, 70, of Seneca, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his beloved family on Friday, September 30, 2022, from complications caused by Lewy Body Dementia.
The son of the late Hubert and Bertha Dyar Smith, Derrill is survived by his wife of almost 49 years, Cindy Phillips Smith; their children Phillip and Caroline, both of Seneca; and grandchildren Shaila, Tanner, and Hazel Trulove. Surviving also is three of four brothers: Ken and wife Kathy of Seneca; Billy and wife Teresa of Easley; and Wayne and wife Stacey of Seneca; as well as thirteen nieces and nephews and their children. His eldest brother, Ronnie, never forgotten, passed away in 1956 as a child after a long period of ill health. The middle son of five, Derrill was honored to name his youngest brother Wayne in 1959, a privilege he was proud to share. To Derrill, family was of utmost importance, a fact evident to all who knew him and witnessed the incredibly strong bond of love among family members. Cindy was the love of his life; his children and grandchildren his pride and joy; and his brothers were a constant source of support and fun-natured humor. Family gatherings with the Smith brothers were never dull!
At a young age, Derrill followed his passion for people as a minister. A native of Seneca, he graduated from Seneca High School in 1970 and pursued his ministerial education at Anderson College, Central Wesleyan College, Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, and Erskine Seminary where he earned a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)
Derrill began his pastoral career at College Street Baptist Church in Walhalla SC. While at Seminary in Kentucky, he pastored Pond Run Baptist Church in Echols KY before returning, upon graduation, to Seneca to serve as pastor at Return Baptist Church. After several years of service to churches in Oconee County SC, Derrill and his family were called to North Carolina where he served first at Grace Baptist Church in Asheville and then at Wingate Baptist Church in Wingate. Upon his retirement in 2018, Derrill and Cindy returned to his hometown of Seneca, South Carolina where they continued serving God and the community as members of Trinity Baptist Church.
In addition to his ministry, Derrill had a passion for positive interactions with people. He was an active participant in several mission trips, both nationally and internationally. He liked being outdoors and especially looked forward to the family’s annual beach trip to Edisto. As an avid athlete who enjoyed friendly competitions, Derrill played tennis, biked, swam, golfed, and participated in The Rock Steady Boxing Program at Foothills Area YMCA. He also loved watching the Atlanta Braves and Clemson Football games with family and friends.
In accordance with his wishes, a memorial Celebration of Life service for the Reverend Dr. J. Derrill Smith will be held at Trinity Baptist Church, 504 South Oak Street, Seneca SC 29678 on Saturday, October 8th, 2022 at 1:00 PM. A gathering time for visitation with family and friends will follow in the Fellowship Hall at Trinity Baptist Church after the service.
Flowers are accepted as charitable donations made to The Starlight Program at Tamassee DAR School, PO Box 8, Tamassee SC 29686 in memory of Derrill’s mother-in-law, Lou Jean Trulove.
The family is appreciative of the assistance provided by Prisma Hospice, the Seneca Fire Department, the caregivers, and researchers of Lewy Body Dementia.
Davenport Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.