Mr. Derrick Ewen Harris, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, peacefully departed this life after a brief illness on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Baptist Health Princeton Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. Born on July 19, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, Derrick was the son of the late Geraldine Godfrey and James Turner Harris. At an early age, he moved to the historic Titusville community of Birmingham, Alabama, where he was lovingly raised by his paternal great-aunt and great-uncle, the late Ola Bell and Henry Collier, whose guidance, love, and nurturing spirit helped shape the man he would become.

Derrick often spoke fondly of the moment that changed the course of his life. After visiting his great- aunt and great- uncle in Birmingham as a child, he fell in love with the warmth of the city and the close-knit Titusville community, which ultimately led to them raising him there. Though Birmingham became home, Derrick maintained strong ties to his roots in Chicago, spending summers and holidays with his mother and siblings and cherishing those family connections throughout his life.

At a young age, Derrick dedicated his life to Christ and united with St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in the Titusville community, where his faith became a guiding force throughout his life. He was known for his quiet strength, kind spirit, and unwavering love for family and friends.

Derrick received his education in the Birmingham City School System. He attended Washington Elementary School and graduated in 1970 as a proud member of the final graduating class of Ullman High School, a historic milestone that remained meaningful to him throughout his life. He later attended Lawson State Community College.

A dedicated and hardworking man, Derrick built a strong work ethic that defined much of his life. He was employed at O'Neal Steel for 18 years and later worked with Masonry Arts Incorporated and Gestamp. Through every position he held, Derrick earned the respect of coworkers and friends alike through his humility, dependability, and quiet determination.

Beyond his work and devotion to family, Derrick embraced life’s simple joys. He had a deep love for fishing and found peace and reflection on the water. He was an avid film enthusiast and a passionate lover of music, especially jazz, which brought him comfort and joy throughout his life. Derrick also enjoyed photography and had a special appreciation for capturing meaningful moments and memories.

One of Derrick’s greatest blessings in life was his enduring marriage to the love of his life, Linda Suttle Harris. Together, they shared more than 44 years of love, partnership, and devotion. Their union was blessed with two children, Erica and Justin, whom they lovingly raised in Fairfield, Alabama. Derrick was a devoted father who took immense pride in his family and treasured every moment spent with them. Just over a year ago, Derrick experienced one of the greatest joys of his life with the birth of his first grandchild, Maya. Becoming a grandfather filled his heart with happiness, and Maya brought immeasurable joy, laughter, and light into his life.

Derrick was preceded in death by his parents, Geraldine McClinon and James Turner Harris; his beloved great-aunt and great-uncle, Ola Bell and Henry Collier; his sister, Patricia McDowell; and his brother, Neal Jones.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories his devoted and loving wife, Linda Suttle Harris; daughter, Erica H. Lattimore (Warren); son, Justin Harris; granddaughter, Maya Grace Lattimore; Sisters: Anita Hust (Bruce); Paula Williams; Pamela Harris; Brother: Loring Williams; Nieces: Tamara Elleras (Peter) and LaToya Williams; Nephews: Robert McDowell, Christopher Suttle Ware; Sisters-in-Law: Chenita Suttle and Myra Jo Suttle; along with a host of extended family members, lifelong friends, and all who were blessed to know and love him