Derek Ray Lemieux

March 26, 1991 - April 17, 2019

Obituary For Derek Ray Lemieux

**In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Derek’s memory to Tammy Lynn Endowment, Inc., 739 Chappell Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606

Derek Ray Lemieux, 28 years old, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh, NC, after a 4 month courageous battle with brain cancer.

Derek was born on March 26th, 1991, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The family moved to Waynesville, NC, in 1996. Derek spent his childhood as an elite soccer player and, in middle school, volunteered in the special needs classrooms, supporting students with disabilities and helping his mom during the spring Special Olympics. In Derek’s adult life, he volunteered and was a supporter of Tammy Lynn Center in Raleigh, NC. Derek enlisted in the US Army at age 18, on October 13, 2008, and completed his basic training at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. From there, Derek graduated from Ft. Gordon, Georgia, as a Signal Support Systems Specialist and then went on to Ft. Benning, Georgia, where he graduated from the Army Infantry Airborne. Derek was stationed in Ft. Bragg for six years in the 82nd Airborne Brigade Support Battalion. In 2015, Derek was stationed for 3 years in Vicenza, Italy, with the 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, Airborne. Derek received numerous awards and badges during his nine years of service to his country, including Expert Marksmanship, Leadership Warrior, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and German Parachutist Badge. While stationed in Italy and when on leave time, Derek became an “Extreme Traveler”, visiting 25 different countries throughout Europe and Asia. He entertained his family and friends with stories and drone footage of unique adventures from the countries he visited.

Derek’s real passion was music. Listening, learning and producing under the name of ‘D-Rex’ {#DREXifyTheWorld}. His music is designed to bring people together through his travels, reminding us that there is so much adventure and life to live, and to live it now. In his short music career, he created, produced and performed in various venues in Europe, including Ultra Europe Tour in Croatia. Derek also has several songs he produced over the years and now has over 27,000 followers.

Prior to Derek’s brain cancer diagnosis on December 12th, 2018, Derek was about to begin a new chapter in his life. He was enrolled in Atlanta Institute of Music & Media (AIMM) to pursue a degree in post audio production. When Derek was not making music, he was gaming with friends around the world, always looking forward to beating his sister in bowling, and playing golf.

Derek was a true warrior, taking on the most aggressive treatments with such strength and courage to battle the relentless brain cancer. Throughout the difficult and painful treatments, Derek maintained his incredible thoughtfulness by constantly thanking his team of medical staff, family and friends who supported him. His kindness will be an inspiration for all of us to be better people.

Derek is survived by his mother, Holly Richard, stepfather, Dave Richard, of Raleigh, NC, father, Ron Lemieux, of Florida, sister, Nicole Lemieux, of Raleigh, NC, stepbrother, Dylan Richard, and wife Rebekah Richard from Texas, grandparents Ray and Jan Lemieux of Massachusetts, grandmother Jane Lewis of Massachusetts, grandmother Lorraine Grenier of Florida. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends he has met in the Army and his travels around the world!

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation at 3 pm on Monday, April 22nd followed by the service at 4 pm at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC, 27615. Derek will be laid to rest in a private ceremony for immediate family members at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake, NC on Tuesday morning.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Derek’s memory to Tammy Lynn Endowment, Inc., 739 Chappell Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606.

The family would like to express our sincere appreciation to our friends and family, and to the incredible medical team at Duke Hospital and the Brain Tumor Center, WakeMed Hospital and Transitions LifeCare for their phenomenal expertise, support and love for Derek and family.

Services

TBD

Cemetery

Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery 8220 Bragg Blvd. Fort Bragg, NC 28310 Get Directions »

22 Apr

Viewing and Visitation

03:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

22 Apr

Funeral Service

04:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

Gary & Donna Caldwell

Our hearts are truly saddened. We have known Derek for many years and he was a brother to Karl, Kevin & Kyle. Derek always had the brightest welcoming smile that made you smile! We are blessed to have had him in our lives and we will forever cherish the memories of the times we had with him. Love, Gary & Donna
September 01, 2020

Nick Radcliffe

The best days of my childhood were spent with you. I will never forget and I will miss you.
September 01, 2020

Lakisha Perry-Green

Lit a candle in memory of Derek Ray Lemieux
September 01, 2020

Janay Nutter

Lit a candle in memory of Derek Ray Lemieux
September 01, 2020

Michael Selle

Sent a gift in memory of Derek Ray Lemieux
September 01, 2020

Brenda T. Smith, DMHDDSAS

Holly & Dave I am sending prayers of comfort to you and your family. Holly I had the opportunity to meet you and Derek at WakeMed. I am so sorry for the loss of your son. In reading all of the memories, Derek will be missed by everyone he have come in contact with.
September 01, 2020

Mary Freeman

Derek is one of the sweetest, most courageous, and caring souls I have had the privilege to know. He was funny, smart, extremely talented, and incredibly brave. I wish i could have known him longer. He will be deeply missed by thousands of friends and admirers around the world, but especially by his family whom he loved deeply. Peace, love, and blessings to all of Dereks family and friends. ~Mary
September 01, 2020

Sarah Parham

So sorry for your loss Holly, you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!
September 01, 2020

Danielle (Lemieux) Ledezma

2 files added to the tribute wall
September 01, 2020

SSG Joseph Hernandez

He was my soldier at Bragg, such a brave paratrooper man my heart is so heavy right now.
September 01, 2020

Michele & Ricky Rogers

To my dear friend Holly, Words cannot express the heartbreak and sorrow I feel for you, Nicole and your family. In all the years of friendship we've had, I never, ever imagined I would have to express these condolences in this situation. You have always been the most amazing mom and Derek loved you so very much. He will be in your heart and with you for always. Derek was so many things to so many people - he was a son, a brother, a friend, a soldier and more. He will be missed by many - but forgotten by none. His sweet memory will love on and he will always be a part of you. Stay strong, my sweet friend. Know that I am here - always. We love you, Michele & Ricky Rogers
September 01, 2020

Angela Boykin

Holly, you and your family have been on my mind so many times since December when the world changed for you. I haven't known you long but one thing I knew immediately when we met was how much you loved your family. It was so easy to connect with you because of your mom's heart. It was clear to me - mom to mom - that the love for your kids was fierce and awesome. I am certain Derek knew this too. I wish there were words that could be said that would bring comfort. I hope that you know you and your family are loved by many. One day when the time is right you and I will get together to talk so that you can share with me wonderful memories of Derek. You are in my thoughts and prayers today and always. Sending you my love, Angela Boykin
September 01, 2020

Juliet Whittemore

Holly and Nicole. Our family is so saddened by Dereks passing. We all have sweet memories of him. Even though we knew him as a boy. We followed him into a brave, gifted, talented man with a deep soul. We will never forget him. Love and miss u. Your forever friends. The Whittemores.
September 01, 2020

Kellan Sams

Derek participated in an RTO Academy event with Slovenia Signal Soldiers while serving in Charlie Company, 54th BEB, 173rd (2016) Vicenza, Italy.
September 01, 2020

Joyce Murphy

Lit a candle in memory of Derek Ray Lemieux
September 01, 2020

john stull

I had the honor and pleasure to work with Derek. The thing I remember most is that he always had a smile on his face and he was always polite!
September 01, 2020

Kathy Davis

Lit a candle in memory of Derek Ray Lemieux
September 01, 2020

Igor Lunardi

Lit a candle in memory of Derek Ray Lemieux
September 01, 2020

Jan King

Lit a candle in memory of Derek Ray Lemieux
September 01, 2020

Hannah Biassini

Lit a candle in memory of Derek Ray Lemieux
September 01, 2020

joy connor

Sent a gift in memory of Derek Ray Lemieux
September 01, 2020

Ronnie Beale

Holly and Dave I am so sorry for your loss Family is our prayers Ronnie Beale
September 01, 2020

Keith McDonald

From one old solider to one young solder you made an impact in this life. Rest easy Derek.
September 01, 2020

Philip Woodward

Way to go, Derek, wearing that Falcons jersey at a New Orleans family reunion!
September 01, 2020

Eric Maurice

sleep well airborne
September 01, 2020

Cheryl Patterson

Lit a candle in memory of Derek Ray Lemieux
September 01, 2020

Amyleigh Myers

Holly, I just saw Dave and heard of this horrible tragedy. I am sorry I did not know sooner. I am pretty sure I met Derek years ago at an Arc of NC event, but it's obvious that he was a true patriot and warrior. I am so sorry for your loss and you will be in my thoughts and prayers. With Love, Amyleigh Myers
September 01, 2020

Shweta Naphade

Holly , Mahesh and I are so sorry for your loss. From reading Derek's obituary, he sounds like a wonderful young man.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Shweta and Mahesh
September 01, 2020

Bert Armstrong

Holly, I am sending tons of prayers and love to you and your family. In reading Derek's obituary, he sounds like a young man who found so much joy in his travels and his love for music. May those memories and the love shared between and son and his mother strengthen you now and in the days and years ahead. May God's grace and unending love for his children bring you a sense of peace in the difficult days. Bert Armstrong
September 01, 2020

Pam Bartle

Big Jerry, Lil Jerry and I have such great memories which will be cherished forever in our hearts for the Derek! Love always! Pam, Jerry & Jerry II