Donald Ray Deas affectionately known as "Derrick" was April 14, 1959, in Sumter, South to the late James "JB" and Annie Bell Nickens Deas. Derrick was educated in the public schools of Sumter County. He worked for Cooper Tools for over twenty (20) years. Derrick was skilled at many things, such as a painter, carpenter and a brick mason. There wasn't too much that Derrick couldn't do! In the community, Derrick was a friend and a helper, however many knew him as a "handyman".  Derrick was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, loving brother and friend. In addition to his parents, Derrick was preceded in death by a brother, Sidney "Bird" Deas; a twin granddaughter, Delilah Gidron and grandson, Deshi Gidron; a nephew, Ivory Antonio Murray. Derrick departed this earthly life on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in Sumter, South Carolina. Derrick leaves to cherish his loving memories, daughters, Shantee' La'Trease Deas Washington and Derricka "Nicole" Wells; adopted daughter, Sondra McCualey; seven grandchildren, Shiem Blackmon, Shykee' Washington, Triniti Rouse, Trenton Rouse, Amari Wells, Shaniya Gidron and Brayden Richardson; two great grandchildren, Paisley Washington and Karter Blackmon; four brothers, James (Carol) Deas, Jimmy (Altoya) Deas, Anthony (Sheron) Deas and Dwayne (Vivian) Deas; sister, Jacqueline (Jeffery) Jackson; aunts, Geneva Nickens, Edith Nickens, Noami (Roosevelt) Swinton, and Diane (Harold) Jefferson; uncles, Roosevelt (Selena) Dees, Johnny (Deeandras) Dees; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and a longtime friend, Kirk Jackson.