Derek Lynn Smith was born June 11, 1976, in Austin to Vaughn and Vicki Smith. He died on Nov. 15, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Derek attended schools in South Austin before moving to Dripping Springs in 1988 with his parents. He enjoyed country life in the small town, and he graduated from Dripping Springs High School in 1995.
As a teenager, Derek accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized at First Baptist Church of Dripping Springs.
He attended Texas State University, graduating with a degree in business administration. While attending college, he met the love of his life, Crystal Batty, and they completed their education together at Texas State University.
Although he worked a number of jobs, the majority of his career was at Print Equip Inc., where he served the Austin printing community.
Derek’s interests revolved around nature, wildlife and animals. He enjoyed goofing around, cooking, movies, music and solitude. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and knew intricate details about guns. He was an avid sports fan and loved the Dallas Cowboys and The University of Texas Longhorns.
Derek is survived by his life partner, Crystal; parents, Vaughn and Vicki Smith; aunts and uncles Tony and Brigid Bell, Janice and Lester Vanzura, Wayne and Judy Davis, and Roberta and Gary Eacott; cousins Reagan (Nolan) Townsend, Blair Vanzura and Cari Davis; Crystal’s dad, Robert Batty, and mom, Allison Batty; her sister, Brooke (David) Chavez; her brother, Bobby Batty; and her nieces Alora Sutton and Grace Chavez.
Derek was preceded in death by his grandparents; his sister, Lisa Rae Smith; and his cousin, Jeffrey Alan Davis. He also was preceded in death by his dog, Molly.
Funeral services will be held at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas on Nov. 23. Visitation will be at 1 p.m., with the service at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Davis Cemetery near Briggs.
Memorial donations in Derek’s name may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital and Austin Animal Center.
