Derrick L. Little, affectionately known as "Duck," entered eternal rest on June 2, 2026, at Hospice of Davidson County's Hinkle House in Lexington, North Carolina. He was 50 years old.

Derrick was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Ester Gwynn of Wadesboro, North Carolina; his grandparents, Eugene and Minnie Lee Tate; his father, Larry Dean Tate; his sister, Tajuanda "Shay" Little; his uncles, Melvin "Peter" Tate and Kenneth "Kilgo" Tate; and his cousin, Eric L. Tate.

Growing up, Duck was a sensational athlete and a proud member of the Redskins Little League Football Team. He later attended Thomasville Senior High School and was part of the Class of 1994. During his school years, he excelled in track and field, earning recognition as a talented high jumper. Duck was known throughout the community for his fearless spirit, infectious personality, and unforgettable sense of humor. He was a true daredevil who was willing to try just about anything. Whether he was pulling harmless pranks to make people laugh, showing up first at the scene of any event happening around town, or simply keeping everyone informed, Duck was always in the middle of the action. Family and friends often joked that long before social media existed, Duck was the "Facebook Duck 8 News Crew" of Thomasville. If something was happening, chances were Duck already knew about it. You could often hear him coming long before you saw him, with music blasting from his Jeep or truck. He had a passion for electronics and gadgets and enjoyed staying connected to whatever was new and exciting.

One of Duck's greatest loves was basketball. Friends remember seeing him dunking at the recreation center, wearing everything from church shoes and penny loafers to Timberland boots and even slides. He was a fan of Duke University men’s basketball (unfortunately). He was also a devoted fan of WWE wrestling and loved watching legends such as Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan. Duck enjoyed fishing at local lakes and waterways and spending time outdoors. He also enjoyed trying his luck at the fish tables, often accompanied by his familiar "tap, tap, tap" that brought a smile to those around him.

More than anything, Duck loved helping people. It didn't matter where he was or what he had going on; if someone needed help, he would stop what he was doing and lend a hand. His generosity, compassion, and willingness to help others reflected the enormous heart he carried throughout his life. He never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel welcome.

Most importantly, Derrick believed in God. He strengthened his relationship with the Lord and found peace in his faith, even during his final moments. His family finds comfort in knowing that he placed his trust in God and entered eternal rest surrounded by love and grace.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories his loving mother, Linda Dillard of Lexington, North Carolina, and the woman he lovingly called "Momma," Barbara Peake of Thomasville, North Carolina. He is also survived by his daughter, Asuntia Burns of San Antonio, Texas; his sons, Cooper Bryant and Tristyn Crook, both of Thomasville, North Carolina; his granddaughter Kha’miya Presnell of Lexington, NC his sisters, LaShekia Peake-Caldwell (Lamont) and Nafeesah Tate, both of Thomasville, North Carolina; his aunt, Rose Marie Little of Lexington, North Carolina; his uncles, Edward Tate (Emma) and Bernard Tate (Rhonda), both of Thomasville, North Carolina; his nieces, Keyasha Kirkland of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Montajah Caldwell of Thomasville, North Carolina; his nephews, Jawonte Little of Lexington, North Carolina, Brandon Little, and Quadarius Kirkland of Thomasville, North Carolina, and Jatwon Smalls, of Sumter, South Carolina, and Nydrique Barnes of Thomasville, North Carolina; a special friend, Jennifer Crook of Thomasville, North Carolina; a favorite cousin who moved mountains for him, Warren James Parson Jr. of Raleigh, North Carolina; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends who loved him dearly.

Duck's laughter, kindness, stories, and unmistakable presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten. The memories he created and the lives he touched will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." — 2 Corinthians 5:8

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever our Duck.