Local Businessman Chris Derby Passes Away

William “Chris” Derby, 57, died suddenly Monday night, reportedly from a heart attack.

Chris was a leader in the business community and community at large. He was owner of The UPS Stores at Meadowmont and Fordham Blvd. Derby also owned a food truck called Baguettaboutit. He served on the Board of Directors for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce and was Chair of the Membership Committee. He was also a supporter of many charities.

Derby’s family shared this with WCHL:

On the evening of February 23, Chris passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack in the comfort of his home. In addition to being a devoted family man, Chris was actively involved in the community. Chris was well-known for his positivity, leadership, boundless energy, generosity and integrity. As an active member of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce and board member at Extraordinary Ventures, Chris supported fellow business owners and members of the community.  In addition, Chris owned The UPS Stores at Meadowmont and Fordham Boulevard and was a partner in Baguettaboutit.

Chris was fortunate to meet the love of his life, Marcy, at Catawba College; they were married in 1984.  Chris was a devoted and loving husband, “Cool Rocking Daddy,” caring son, fantastic brother and genuine friend to many. His children, Brett, Kelly and Torri, brought out the best in Chris as he excelled at fatherhood, supporting their every endeavor from school to scouts to sports.  Chris loved classic rock music, making mix CDs, the beach, performing magic to delight others, working in his yard, being the king of the grill and planning gatherings with his life-long friends.

Chris is survived by his wife Marcy, his son, Brett, 27, and his daughters, Kelly, 25 and Torri, 19, his sister, Julie Derby Jaecksch of Martinez, CA, and his brother, Lee (Shelley) Derby of Damascus, MD, mother-in-law/father-in-law, Patricia and Melvin Hook of Pittsburgh, PA, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lisa Hook and Peter Gillon of Washington, DC, Dave Hook of Emeryville, CA, Polly Hook and David Lawlor of Irvine, CA, John and Katherine Hook of Pittsburgh, PA, and Chris and Tammy Hook of Cleveland, OH, as well as eight nieces and nephews.  Chris was predeceased by his mother, Catherine L. Derby.

Chris brightened each and every day with his enormous smile, opening his heart to family, friends, employees, customers and community members.  Chris touched many lives and all who knew him will continue to strive to emulate him and carry him in their hearts and memories always. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2015 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 940 Carmichael Street in Chapel Hill. In lieu of floral arrangements, the family requests that donations in memory of Chris be made to Extraordinary Ventures, 200 S. Elliott Road, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514 or the American Heart Association.

Derby was named a WCHL Hometown Hero in 2012:

 

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce release the following statement:

“The Chamber is saddened to learn of the death of business leader, community leader and chamber board member William ‘Chris’ Derby, owner of The UPS Store at Fordham Boulevard and Meadowmont and the Baguettaboutit food truck and restaurant.

Chris served ably on the Chamber board for years, chairing the Chamber’s membership committee and serving on its executive committee. Chris was also active on the board of the local nonprofit Extraordinary Ventures and played a leadership role in the Chapel Hill 2020 process. Chris was a genuine friend to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community, generous supporter of many organizations and tireless worker endeavoring always to make this great place even better.

The Chamber staff and board offer our most sincere condolences to the Derby family and Chris’ employees. The Chamber will share details about the service and memorial contributions as they become available.”