William Lile Derby, 93, passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025.  Born in Virginia, he was the son of the late William Carson and Mildred Lee Derby. Bill proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard.  He went on to graduate from the NASA Apprenticeship Program and had a long and distinguished career with NASA, retiring as a Models and Materials Techology Manager.  Bill was a devoted and faithful servant, and active member of St. Mark's Methodist Church, Hampton; and a loyal supporter of the Gideons and their bible distribution.

Preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Sylvia Derby; and his siblings; he leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 38 years, Nina R. Derby; his sons, Billy Derby, Richard Derby, and Gary Derby; stepdaughters, Mary Lamm and Rebecca Johnson; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at St. Mark's Methodist Church, Hampton led by Pastor Deborah Clark. The family will have a private graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bill's name can be made to The Gideons International Processing Center, P. O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251 (click here) or St. Mark's Methodist Church, 99 E. Mercury Blvd, Hampton, VA 23669. (click here)