Derek Ray Halsey, 52, of Independence, VA stepped out of this life into his Savior's arms on June 2, 2025 surrounded by his family at the Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Derek was born on November 6, 1972, to the late Nancy Ann and Herbert Ray Halsey and lived his entire life in the Gold Hill Community. He graduated in 1990 from Grayson County High School, then attended Wytheville Community College obtaining multiple Associate Degrees. He transitioned from student to employee, faithfully serving the IT department as a computer technician for 28 years. He was loved by his coworkers and all that knew him.

Derek was kind, loving, fun, outgoing, adventurous man.  Most of all, he was devoted to his family. For 15 years he and his partner Dr. Charles Quarles enjoyed traveling all over the United States and abroad.  He loved experiencing new cultures and meeting new people.  He took great pride in his two nephews Isaac and Canaan Jones. He was the crazy uncle who made sure they had everything they wanted.  Later in his life, his two nieces came along, Ruth Joines and Ivah Norman. His time with them was short but he loved them dearly.

He is survived by Dr. Charles Quarles of Forest City, NC; sisters, Elizabeth and Jason Jones of Elk Creek, VA and Ginger and Josh Norman of Independence, VA; brother, John Halsey of Abingdon, VA; nephews  Isaac Jones and Canaan Jones of Elk Creek; nieces, Ruth Joines and Ivah Norman of Independence, VA;  Several aunts and uncles, Mack and Barbara Halsey, Independence, VA, Donna Halsey, Independence, VA, Mary and Ray Gammon of Logan, Utah, Linda and Jim Trivett of Trainer, PA, Judy and Michael Lagasse of Williamsburg, VA and Sandra and Gary Wilson of New Providence, PA; several cousins also survive.

The family will receive friends on Sunday June 8, 2025, from 3:00-4:00 at the Gold Hill Baptist Church.  Private interment will follow in the church cemetery with Rev. Chris Huffman and Rev. Johnny Johnson.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Gold Hill Cemetery Fund c/o Barbara Halsey 1748 Gold Hill Road, Independence, VA 24348.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Halsey family.