Dr. William W. Derrick, born in Huntsville, Alabama, in 1879, was the son of Henry and Susan Derrick. He graduated from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1906. After completing his studies, Dr. Derrick worked at Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee, before returning to Huntsville to establish his medical practice.

Medicine ran in the Derrick family. Dr. William Derrick’s brother, Dr. Thomas H. Derrick, was also a graduate of Meharry Medical College. Sadly, Dr. Thomas Derrick passed away in 1916 in Phoenix where he moved for his health. Dr. Thomas Derrick died just three years before Dr. William Derrick’s own death.

Dr. William Derrick was an active member of his community and a prominent figure in the North Star Masonic Lodge in Huntsville, which was organized in 1901. He held the lodge’s highest office in 1911. Committed to improving the well-being of others, Dr. Derrick frequently shared his expertise. At a special health-focused service at St. John A.M.E. Church, he and other professionals provided guidance on health and wellness. Dr. Derrick also supported educational initiatives, making contributions to the Tuggle Institute through Birmingham’s Sunbeam Court No. 404.

Through his medical practice and community involvement, Dr. William Derrick left a lasting impact on Huntsville and beyond. He is likely buried in the family plot with his brother, Dr. Thomas Derrick.

1910 United States Federal Census; Ancestry.com

Directory of Deceased American Physicians, 1804-1929; Ancestry.com

Alabama, U.S. Deaths and Burials Index, 1881-1974; Ancestry.com

The Journal (Huntsville, Alabama) Fri., Apr. 20, 1900, Page 3

The Journal (Huntsville, Alabama) Thu. June 15, 1911, Page 2

The Journal (Huntsville, Alabama) Thu. June 11, 1908, Page 1

The Huntsville Times (Huntsville, Alabama) Sun. May 21, 1911, Page 5

The Huntsville Times (Huntsville, Alabama) Sun. Feb. 6, 1916, Page 5

The Huntsville Times (Huntsville, Alabama) Mon. Feb. 3, 1919, Page 1