Derek Lynn Smith

Derek Lynn Smith was born June 11, 1976, in Austin, Texas to Vaughn and Vicki Smith.  He died on November 15, 2024, surrounded by 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 in the 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 over the time, the majority of his career was at Print Equip, Inc. where he served the members of the Austin printing community.

Derek's personal 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 greatly loved and mourned by his life partner, Crystal; his parents, Vaughn and Vicki Smith; his aunts and uncles, Tony and Brigid Bell, Janice and Lester Vanzura, Wayne and Judy Davis, and Roberta and Gary Eacott; his cousins, Reagan (Nolan) Townsend, Blair Vanzura and Cari Davis; his extended family includes Crystal's dad, Robert Batty, her 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 was also preceded by his beloved dog, Molly.

Funeral services will be held at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel, 201 E. 3rd St in Lampasas, Texas on Saturday, November 23, 2024.  Visitation will be at 1 pm, immediately followed by the service at 2 pm.  Burial will follow at Davis Cemetery on Hwy 183 near Briggs, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to a charity in Derek's name, specifically The Shriner's Children's Hospital and the Austin Animal Center.