Derek Smith was a great friend & coworker at US Probation in Tampa. I visited wit him the week he passed. I spoke to him & he nodded his head yes & no to my questions. He was strong. I told him that I loved him & would pray for him. He gave me the traditional Derek's response: the thumbs up sign. I will always remember you buddy. God bless.

Resting in the arms of the Lord. Sleep in Heavenly Peace my baby brother. Love Adrienne

Dearest Tom and Adrienne, (aka Brother-in-law and Sister to me), this is one of the hardest note that I've ever had to share. Sister, when you called me on that fateful night, the tone of your voice spoke volumes. I knew. I just knew. I don't want to know. I have to know. Don't tell me. Tell me! I tried to brace myself however, my emergency "mental crash helmet" failed me. I tried to be strong but the "rain" kept kicking me in the eyes. Somehow, the script got flipped as you consoled me rather than me consoling you. So now, please accept my sincere love, prayers and sympathy in regards to D's/Bum's (these are the names I used to call him) transition. He, Ray Palmer and I have been adopted siblings for nearly 40 years. D and Ray were the "big dogs" as they called me " the puppy." Nearly everyone love puppies, right? So, that is how the three of us "rolled." There are so many memories that I have reflected on as I will forever cherish and hold dear. I know that I must accept the Lord's will however, the human side of me just wouldn't let up. Believe me, I tried. His transition is still too fresh right now but I know that I must let him rest. Sister and brother-in-law, I am really trying hard to stop "the rain" from kicking me in the eyes when we speak. I really am. However, nearly 40 years ........ I know that D is now free from his earthly concerns and that all is well with him. This is how I am coming to terms with his transition. Yes, this is hard for me and others however, with the Lord's grace, it will be done. As for you, "Bum," I know that when we meet in Heaven, there is no doubt you will say, "Lord, the puppy up here acting up." The next thing you will say is, "What are you doing, you Rascal." And lastly, "Ray, we got to go and get the puppy because she up here raising sand about something." Memories! Well, D, my brother, you will always live in our hearts forever. The Holy Bible reminds us that when we are absent from the natural, we are present with the Lord. I am sure that Mama Gertrude, Grand Ma Willie, Vernita, Carl and the rest of this beloved family was there to greet you. May the Lord always keep you close in Heaven and may you always sleep in Heavenly peace. Goodnight, D!

I worked with Derek at our Tampa office with department of Corrections. He was always helpful and a good friend to me. His dry wit kept me laughing. Rest easy friend I will miss you

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. In deepest sympathy to the family, as God spreads his love and comfort during this time of loss. Sincerely, Clara Napier

The good, "truly die young". I will always be grateful for the time that I knew you. Thank you "Doc" for the friendship. Ray Palmer

Derek Smith was my Dean of Pledges when I was an undergraduate student seeking membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The primary responsibility of the Dean of Pledges is to meet DAILY with the aspirants and to make sure, each aspirant is learning the fraternity's history, mission, its aims and values. As someone who was seeking membership, I thought Derek was very demanding. He constantly underscored the importance of knowing the fraternity's history cold, and he placed a premium on training aspirants and making sure aspirants understood what their roles and responsibilities were after becoming a member. There was always a glimmer in his eyes when fraternity members, especially fraternity members from other cities, would comment on how well his aspirant classes had learned the fraternity's history. In due time, we realized Derek was investing a lot in us so that we were well prepared for our graded exams and other membership requirements. During the 2020 COVID Pandemic, the Line Brother, the Late Albert E. Green, passed away. Al was one of the four men Derek trained as Dean of Pledges. The COVID vaccine was not created yet resulting in many people not attending funerals because of serious health concerns. Derek Smith did attend Al's funeral in person. You could feel his sense of responsibility to ensure his Pledgee received a proper farewell. It meant the world to me to see him there because I knew Al would have been so honored that Derek made that sacrifice for him. Al Green and I were lucky to have Derek Smith as a Dean of Pledges and daily history tutor. Derek's other Alpha Line, Alan Wiley and Delltoro Barkley send their condolences as well. Rest in Peace Dean of Pledges. Terry Nealy, Summer 1984 Theta Gamma, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

My deepest sympathy and prayers are being sent to Derek's family. Derek Smith was always the consummate gentleman and I was so fortunate to work with him for several years at U.S. Probation. May he rest in peace. Sincerely, Regina Martin-Tuthill