Derrick Todd Wilson, Newport, KY passed away on April 21, 2026, four days after his 67th birthday. Early Life & Family Derrick was born on April 17, 1959, in Cincinnati, OH to Bonnie and Ermon Hyle (Todd) Wilson. Most of his childhood and teenage years were spent in New Castle, IN. Derrick was an entrepreneur from an early age, working a newspaper route. He graduated from Chrysler Memorial High School, home of the largest high school fieldhouse, where he was a member of the wrestling team. Early Adulthood Derrick originally started his college career at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with his first solo flight on November 18, 1977. He then spent time at Southern Ohio College and Campbellsville College before starting a lifelong career in business development. In his early twenties, Derrick was an active member of his church, and that is where he met and introduced his mother to Lacy Bennett, who later became his step-father. Church is also where he met Annie Price. The two were married in 1984 and had two children, Mechelle and Andrew. Career Derrick found his passion and skill in sales, beginning by selling typewriters and books, then eventually spending many years as a sales leader for large accounting and consulting firms, including PwC, Grant Thornton and others. He was recognized multiple times for his leadership and creativity. Derrick’s children and younger brother remember the times he taught them the importance of dressing for success, eye contact and a firm handshake. One key to Derrick’s success was that he was a lifelong learner – he could always be found researching a new topic and applying it to his life and career. Additionally, Derrick never believed that anybody was above or below him in status; he related to people in all walks of life. Personal Life & Interests While Derrick traveled substantially for work, he still made time to be a present, fun dad for his children when they were young. Derrick was known for bringing the entertainment to family gatherings, whether it was organizing a game or activity, or being the jokester in the room. He especially enjoyed boating and being on or near the water. Other hobbies included stamp and coin collecting, building and shooting off model rockets, grilling and listening to classic rock. He had a soft spot in his heart for pets, owning multiple dogs, cats and fish throughout his years. Family Derrick is survived by his two children, Mechelle Hope Meadows (Chad) and Andrew Derrick Wilson (Nicki), his three grandchildren, Bennett Michael Meadows, Aubrey Jill Meadows, and Lewin James Wilson, his mother, Bonnie Lou Bennett, step-father Willie Lacy Bennett and brother Steven Douglas Wilson. Derrick was preceded in death by his brother James Kevin Wilson, and his father Ermon Hyle (Todd) Wilson. Memories & Legacy Those who knew Derrick well know that he was satisfied with his life’s accomplishments. He worked his entire life to build a better future for the next generations – his children and grandchildren. A quote he often said was, “On average we speak 20,000 words a day. Only 3 count: I Love You.” He had only one piece of unfinished business, and that was to be reunited with his brother Kevin, who died at the age of 16 when Derrick was 18. Services A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 12:00 to 3:00pm at Camargo Community Center in Mt. Sterling, KY. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Charlie’s 3/4 House in Cincinnati, OH in Derrick Wilson’s honor.