Derrik Neal

Derrik DeWayne Neal first delighted the world on Monday, July 18, 1960, when he was born in El Paso, Texas. As the only son and youngest child of Dexter Earl and Cleal Marie Neal, Derrik completed their loving family with sisters Wendolyn and Karen. The three siblings were very close. When the family relocated to Dallas, Texas, their early years would be spent entertaining their parents with family talent shows.

Derrik was a determined young boy. He attended Dallas public schools and decided to pursue his love for music in high school deliberately choosing a difficult instrument to play. Despite being sent to the backyard with his trombone, Derrik practiced daily to perfect his craft. His diligence was rewarded when he was named Drum Major of the South Oak Cliff High School Marching Band.

Derrik was discipled through the Cherry Valley Church of Christ, where he was involved in the youth group and the choir. He was dedicated to the work of the Lord even in his teenage years when his family moved their membership to the Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ. He enjoyed attending the National Youth Conference and assisting the leaders with the young men in the group. He played sports in the church leagues and was well liked by his coaches and teammates.

Derrik was disciplined in his studies in high school and at Mountain View College. He even carried a briefcase to class because he was serious about his future. He channeled this energy into retail management working his way up through the ranks into upper management at Safeway, Minyard's, Fiesta, and Albertson's Food Stores.

Derrik desired to have his own family and proposed to the love of his life, Antonia (Toni) McGilbra. They formally declared their love and were married on September 26, 1987. Their fidelity and love were always on display. When Derrik and Toni decided to expand their family, they were doubly blessed by the birth of twins Derrik DeWayne II and Danielle D'Nai on May 28, 1991. Together, Derrik followed the example of his parents and in-laws, Tom and Patricia McGilbra, by raising his children in church. The family of four attended Rolling Hills Church of Christ. He was the President of the Jimmie Tyler Brashear School PTA and on the board at Canterbury Episcopal School.

Derrik was diligent in his career and as a family man. When his health began to dramatically decline, a series of tests revealed an incurable pulmonary hypertension diagnosis. While the disease affected his body, it did not impact his spirit. Derrik drew closer than ever to the Lord he has been serving since his youth. God's grace became more evident in his life. With a supporting wife and family, Derrik volunteered for experimental treatment that would improve his quality of life. When the treatments began to work, Derrik dedicated himself again to the Lord and his family.

Derrik defied the odds when a two-year prognosis during his children's school days stretched well into their adulthood. He was able to witness the marriage of his namesake to wife Amber in 2018. He counseled, shared, encouraged, and loved even on his most difficult days. He was a walking miracle, a role he embraced fully and for which he continually gave thanks to his Heavenly Father.

Derrik detailed his faith walk in A Life Well Lived Through Grace, his book published in 2020. He and Toni placed membership at Oak Gardens Church, and he was ordained a deacon on January 25, 2022.

Derrik's demonstration of faith and obedience had defeated death long before he bid his family farewell on May 5, 2022.

Smiling through tears at the love he leaves in each of them are: loving wife Antonia (Toni) Neal; children Derrik DeWayne (Amber) and Danielle; parents Dexter and Cleal Neal; sisters Wendolyn (Martin) Washington and Karen (David) Bright; one niece Tiffany Bright and three nephews David II and Jeremy Bright and Weston Washington; aunt Margaret Allen; mother-in-law Patricia McGilbra; extended family Della Simmons and Nathan Sanchez; cousins, friends; and countless others who loved him dearly.

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