Derick Lamon Hamilton was a man who knew how to make his presence known.

From an early age, Derick was the class clown—the one who could make a room laugh, lighten the mood, and turn an ordinary moment into a memory. He had a way of making people laugh with his jokes, his quick wit, his distinctive laugh, and his larger-than-life personality. You could always count on Derick to have something to say, a story to tell, or a reason to laugh. And if you knew Derick well, you probably heard one of his favorite sayings more than once: “I ain’t lyyyyying!” That was Derick—funny, expressive, unforgettable, and completely himself. 

From an early age, Derick was surrounded by music and faith. He grew up playing the drums in church, developing a love for music and a special connection to the church community. His gift for drumming became a meaningful part of his childhood and youth, and he proudly shared his talent with several churches throughout his journey, including Resurrectional Pentecostal, Holy Zion in Statesboro, Georgia, and Holy Zion in Savannah, Georgia. Those early years of playing drums helped shape the energetic and expressive personality that so many came to know and love. Whether he was behind the drums, on the football field, or simply surrounded by family and friends, Derick had a way of making his presence known.

Derick had a lifelong love and passion for football. He began playing as a child and continued playing well into his 30s. Throughout his football journey, he played for Savannah High School (Class of 1995), the Savannah Chiefs, the Corpus Christi Hammerheads and the El Paso Rumbles. He devoted more than twenty years of his life to the game he loved. Football was more than a sport to Derick—it was a part of who he was. As the years went on, his passion for the game evolved from being a player to becoming a mentor. He spent time coaching, encouraging others, and sharing the knowledge and love for football that had been such an important part of his own life.

 Derick was also a skilled welder and spent part of his career working in the oil fields. His work and his journey took him to different places, including Texas, North Carolina, and Las Vegas, Nevada. He traveled many miles and experienced many different chapters of life, but no matter where life took him, Savannah was always home. Above all else, Derick loved his family .He shared a special bond with his mother and loved her deeply. He was a loving and protective father who loved his children dearly. As a big brother, Derick was a protector, a confidant, and someone who knew how to make life more fun. His presence in the lives of his family was one that could never be easily replaced. His love extended beyond people as well. Derick had a special place in his heart for his four-legged family, including his beloved dogs, Savannah and Heaven .

Derick lived a life that was full of personality, laughter, love, challenges, adventures, and unforgettable moments. He was funny. He was loving. He was protective. He was outspoken. He was sometimes a little stubborn. But most importantly, he was Derick—and there will never be another one quite like him. 

On August 16, 2026, Derick Lamon Hamilton transitioned from this earthly life and began his final journey home. Although his physical presence is no longer with us, the memories he created will continue to live on.He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved mother, Velma Hamilton; his sister, Monique Hamilton; his children:Dashaun Hamilton, Rashawd Hamilton, Bria Hamilton, Keryca Paschall, Elijah Harris-Hamilton, De’ja Hamilton, Jaden Hamilton, Haley Zapata, Ayannah Hamilton, and Derianna Hamilton;his grandchildren: Da’Koda Hamilton, Malachi Hamilton-Holmes, Lauryn Hamilton, Zarion Hamilton, and Levi Hamilton; his Special Friend, Machelle Flickinger; extended family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched along the way. 

The people who knew Derick will remember the laughter. They will remember the jokes. They will remember his unmistakable laugh.They will remember his love for football. They will remember his protective spirit and his big personality. And they will certainly remember hearing him say—“I ain’t lyyyyying!” Derick’s journey took him many places and carried him many miles, but in the end, he has made his final journey home to Savannah. His time with us may have ended, but his story has not. It lives on in his children and grandchildren, in the hearts of his family and friends, in the stories that will be told for years to come, and in every laugh that reminds us of him. Derick was loved by many, and he will be missed by many more

.Rest peacefully, Derick.

You made your presence known.

You left your mark.

And you will never be forgotten.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a public viewing on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Services, 510 Stephenson Avenue, Savannah, Georgia 31405.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Philip Monumental A.M.E. Church, 1112 Jefferson Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401.

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Burial will follow at East Savannah Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia 31404.

May the memory of Derick L. Hamilton bring comfort to his family and friends in the days ahead.