Melvin Derryberry

Melvin Ernest Derryberry, 85, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014. A lifelong resident of Chattanooga and Ringgold, Mr. Derryberry was owner and operator of Derryberry Auto Service at Willow and Main Street that has been in existence for over 70 years. He was a lifelong member at Chattanooga First Church of the Nazarene. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Mr. Derryberry was an avid UT Vols fan. He was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Jordan and Jillian Johnson; brother, Rev. Harold Derryberry; and sister, Martha Ruffner. Survivors are his wife of 64 years, Peggy Derryberry; two daughters, Lori Johnson, East Ridge, and Melody (Keivin) Skelly, Hermitage, Tenn.; son, Rick (Tonya) Derryberry, Ringgold; five grandchildren, Jeremy Johnson, Justin Skelly, Christina Skelly Hitchcock, Jonathan Derryberry and Abby Johnson Viar; four great-grandchildren. A celebration of life service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, at Chattanooga First Church of the Nazarene, 5455 North Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37411 with Rev. Eric Johnson, Rev. John Andrus and Rev. Jeremy Johnson officiating. Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family. The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, at the Chattanooga First Church of the Nazarene. Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road.