Leonard Austin Derreberry departed this life and entered into the presence of God on April 25, 2026. He was born to Napoleon (Poley) and Betty Curtis Derreberry on May 3, 1928 in Andrews. He was a lifelong member of Valley River Baptist Church in Andrews.
He is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Dorothy Adams Derreberry, who resides in the family home; a sister, Joyce Foster of Advance, NC; a son, Roger and wife Dianne Derreberry of Lenoir, NC; a son, Danny and wife, Cathy Derreberry of Andrews; a daughter, Anne and husband Jerry White of Marble; his grandchildren, Randy Mathis, Michael Derreberry, Lori Davis, Jason Derreberry, Stacy Cooper, Shannon Derreberry and Ashley Fosenburg; and his great grandchildren, Austin Davis, Sydney Davis, Isabella Derreberry, Kaelyn Fosenburg, Quinn Derreberry, Lakyn Story, Josikiah Miller and Knox Derreberry.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Clyde, Claude, Ward, Hoyle and Carl Derreberry; and six sisters, Ruby Adams, Bonnie Barker, Mae Phillips, Marie West, Maggie Derreberry and Betty Sue Love Parker.
In 1952, Austin received notice to report for duty to the Army. Dorothy was expecting their first child to be born. One of the local doctors was able to get him deferred until the baby was born. Mother and baby alright he reported for duty and served two years active duty during the Korean War.
Returning home from the Army, he went to work at the Berkshire Knitting Mill, located on the east side of Andrews and worked there as a knitting machine repairman for 13 years. He left Berkshire and went to work for the Magnavox Company, which was bought by the Baker Furniture Company and retired with 25 years of service.
Unable to achieve as much education as he might have wanted, Austin did not allow that to hinder him from excelling in any aspect of life, or project he wanted to attempt. He was a skilled carpenter, and built the house his wife still resides in. He was a master woodworker. He was a volunteer fireman and retired with 20 years' service. He served with the Andrews Rescue Squad for 20 plus years.
Austin was an avid outdoorsman. He loved camping, fishing, hunting, digging ginseng, gardening and being in the mountains. He was always helping neighbors with projects, taking them fresh vegetables, fruit and anything they might need. He loved the lake and water skiing and taught many people to ski.
He loved his family and would do anything for them. He worked hard to provide for the family. He enjoyed life and tried to live each day to the fullest. He taught valuable lessons to every one of his children.
There will be a Celebration of Life held Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Valley River Baptist Church in Andrews. Family will receive friends from 12pm to 2pm with the funeral following at 2pm. Pastors Roger Derreberry and Roy Phillips officiating. Interment will be in the Valley River Baptist Church cemetery with Pastor Eddie Hardin officiating and military rights conducted by local VFW.
Pallbearers will be Bruce Rose, Brian Rose, Dale Flemming, Eddie Haney, Rance Rogers and Matthew Sneed. Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons and great grandsons.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at
www.townson-rose.com
