Derek C. Barnes

Derek Barnes was born in Detroit, MI to Roy Barnes, Sr. and Sylvia Barnes. He was raised in the Broadstreet Presbyterian Church and received a formal education in the Detroit Public Schools (DPS) system, attending Vernor Elementary and Beaubien Middle School before attending Renaissance High School. As a mighty Phoenix, Derek was an All-City Tennis Player and graduated in 1987. Derek attended and graduated from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). After college, Derek returned to DPS and worked as a teacher, where he was able to educate and mentor children until he moved to Florida. Consistent with his degree, Derek was also an entrepreneur. He loved all things economics and finance. 

In addition to playing tennis, Derek was an outstanding baseball pitcher, enjoyed martial arts, weightlifting, and was an outstanding swimmer. He played the piano and was active in social groups, like the Tots & Teens. In his spare time, he enjoyed listening to music, watching movies and cooking. 

On September 11, 2023, Derek passed away after a long battle with multiple medical conditions. Derek was preceded in death by his brother, Roy Jr., and mother, Sylvia. He leaves to cherish in his memory, his father, Roy Sr. and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.