Derek N. Jones

January  31st, 1938 August  13th, 2024
Born:  Liverpool, UK    -   Died: Bluffton, SC
Derek N. Jones

"Godspeed, my lovey, and may you always remain in our hearts." 

Obituary

Derek Jones, born on January 31, 1938, peacefully passed away on August 13, 2024, at the age of 86 following a sudden stroke. Surrounded by the love of family and friends, both near and far, Derek departed with grace. Originally from Liverpool, England, Derek attended Liverpool College, where he earned his degree in structural engineering. Later in life, he pursued a career change and became a successful global importer of British goods. One of his proudest achievements was designing a crystal chess set for Disney World in Florida. 

Derek was involved in his community, serving on various school committees and community boards, always ready to lend a helping hand. An enthusiast of the outdoors, he found joy in sailing and golfing. He spent three years crafting his cherished 32 ft. English sailboat, "The Zoom," which he sailed on the Irish Sea with his three sons. At 86, Derek not only maintained a passion for golf but also frequently achieved the impressive feat of shooting his age on the course. His occasional wayward drives into the rough he humorously described as being for "scenic purposes." Derek's final wish was to have his ashes scattered at sea, a fitting tribute for a man who loved the open waters as much as the greens. 

Derek is survived by his loving wife Sandee Voedisch Jones and his sons Philip Jones (Annabelle Jones), Simon Jones (Claire Jones), and Michael Jones (Dara Jones).

A true Englishman with a quiet dignity, reserved charm, and dry wit that never failed to bring a smile, Derek embodied old-fashioned grace and courtesy. Fond of sharing a whiskey while discussing history and politics, he delighted friends with his delicious English scones. Derek was not only a gentleman, but also a gentle man.

Derek's family will forever cherish memories filled with love, joy, and his infectious laughter. A private celebration of his life is to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Derek's honor to Hopeful Horizons, "Furnish a Future Fund", P.O. Box 1775, Beaufort, SC 29901 -- 
https://www.hopefulhorizons.org/donate

Gallery


Memory Wall

Your comforting words mean so much to our family. Please feel free to share your memories and condolences here. Thank you. 


September 17, 2024
I’ll always remember the first time I met Derek at a political fundraising event. His charming British accent and warm smile were unforgettable, especially with the lovely Sandee by his side. Derek and Sandee became such wonderful friends to us, and we feel truly blessed to have had Derek in our lives. He will be deeply missed.
Jo Mohr
September 16, 2024
Sweet Derek was such a wonderful friend! This was the second time Derek and I crossed paths, he sold his beautiful crystal chess set to Disney when I oversaw the merchandise business at the hotels and Epcot UK Pavilion. We reminisced often obout those fond memories.
God Speed my British friend,
“Long live the Queen and then Duke of Lancaster” ( inside joke).
Carolyn Schaedel
September 13, 2024

Dear Sandy,
I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Derek's passing. You both were such a happy, loving, and compatible couple, and I can only imagine the depth of your loss. Derek brought you from one of the lowest points in your life to one of the happiest, and that is something truly special. I hope the many joyful memories you shared will bring you some comfort in the difficult days ahead.
With love and deepest sympathy,
Peggy
Peggy Oblack
September 10, 2024
Derek touched our lives and hearts by his presence alone. I was so happy for my long childhood friend Sandee when to two of them met. It was a meeting arranged that only a higher power could have done. Derek was such a perfect gentleman and a trooper putting up with Sandee's friends and our visits etc. His lovely British accent was just so pleasant and charming, and he had a heart of gold and oh can't forget he made the best scones ever! He will be missed by all that had the privilege of knowing him and his absence from us leaving an imprint on our hearts, he displayed a special love by his acceptance of others he barely knew. Rest in heavenly peace you dear man. Sending much love and prayers of comfort....
Jeanette Emrick
September 9, 2024
As sadness and grief grips my everyday, I will always miss Dereks perplexed grin witnessing my shenanigans and horsing around. His undeniable quiet British wit and charm stole my heart . He was definitely my unigue and hard to find, but only after I wore out my sneakers and received a God whisper..well actually, like a crashing thunderbolt!
Derek made my incredible memories that made me cry, made me shake my head in awe, and made my belly laugh to tears. I will forever be grateful for his accepting my loving and generous family and inherited friends whom all loved him from the very beginning without question!
Derek will always live in my heart, and I will always hang on to the joy he gave me, and everyone I witnessed that crossed his path.
He was an incredible loving, happy, and genuine man who will surely be missed.
Look after me and your beloved Matteo as always Lovey, while we make the journey without you physically by our side..but forever in our hearts!
God speed lovey, and remember this….. I will always love you more….and I get the last word.
Your honey💕

Sandee Voedisch Jones
September 9, 2024
I got to know Derek at our beloved Sgt. Jasper Golf Course and always enjoyed his kindness, wit, and gentle spirit. My condolences to his family. Derek will be greatly missed.
Annette Thomas
September 7, 2024
Dapper Derek was always up for a party & reason to celebrate life 🥃. Tally Ho & Rip 💙
Connie Dugan
September 6, 2024
Derek: May your drives be straight, your lies honest, and your heaven free of water hazards. RIP
JOHN

Family tree

Sandee Voedvish
(wife)
Howard Jones
(brother) 
Martin Jones
(brother)
Philip Jones Family
Annabelle (wife)
Libby
Megan
Simon Jones Family
Claire (wife)
Michael Jones
Family
Dara (wife)
Erika Voedvish Newton
Family
Craig (husband)
Annaleise
 
Chris Voedisch
Family
Carrie (wife)
Henry
Hudson
Howard Jones
(brother) 
Martin Jones
(brother)
Sandee Voedvish
(wife)
Philip Jones Family
Annabelle (wife)
Libby
Megan
Simon Jones Family
Claire (wife)
Michael Jones
Family
Dara (wife)
Erika Voedvish Newton
Family
Craig (husband)
Annaleise
 
Chris Voedisch
Family
Carrie (wife)
Henry
Hudson
Derek Jones

Favorites


What was Derek's favorite Travel destination?
Smith Mountain Lake, VA
What was Derek's favorite Drink?
Preferred a good whisky or bourbon but often settled for a proper gin and tonic.  
What was Derek's favorite Sport?
Golf, Sailing and Soccer
What is his dog's name?
"Matteo"... after the son of Andrea Bocelli. 
Fun fact about Derek:
At the age of 86, he golfed his age! 
What was Derek's favorite Game to play?
Sudoku
What was Derek's favorite Food or Dish?
A good pork chop! But, never at Sandee's!
What was Derek's favorite Quote or Saying?
"There is nothing more queer than people." 
What do they call a native of Liverpool?
A "Liverpudlian"
What was his favorite job? .
Importing everything British! 
Fun fact: He survived the "Blitz"!
As a small child Derek experienced the 'Liverpool Blitz". In WW2 his home town of Liverpool incurred heavy and sustained bombing by the German Luftwaffe. He often recalled the time his family spent hunkered down in an air-raid shelter. 
What was his middle name? 
Neil
What is the origin of the name Derek?
The name Derek comes from the Old German name Theodoric, which means "power of the tribe". Flemish weavers brought the name to England during the Middle Ages. 
How popular is the name "Derek"?
In 1934, Derek was the 14th most popular name for babies in England and Wales. By 1944, it had dropped to 27th, and by 1974 it had reached 100th, but it hasn't been popular since then. 
How popular is the surname "Jones"?
Jones is the most common surname in Wales, and second most popular surname in England. 

Donate

$ 0
No donations yet
In honor of our beloved Derek, we invite you to contribute to a cause that was near and dear to his heart - "Hopeful Horizons" based here in Bluffton, SC. Your generous donation will serve as a meaningful tribute, perpetuating the spirit of Derek by supporting a meaningful cause. Please donate directly below.  Donations are NOT accepted on this page. Thank You. 

Hopeful Horizons
Furnish a Future Fund
P.O. Box 1775
Beaufort, SC 29901
https://www.hopefulhorizons.org/donate
Share

Secure payment

First Lastname donation
Order total: $ 0
Your host will receive your funds within 24 hours.