Derwood was born June 14, 1933, in Rowan County, one of six sons of the late James Graham Puckett and Thayer Sink Puckett. He was a 1951 graduate of Rockwell High School.

He worked more than forty years as an electrician with Norandal in Salisbury. Growing up on a dairy and tobacco farm, he developed a lifelong ability to work with his hands and fix almost anything. Even after retirement, family, friends, and coworkers often turned to him for his practical wisdom and expertise.

Derwood’s faith was an important part of his life. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Salisbury and participated in several mission trips to Brazil. He also enjoyed gardening, traveling with his wife, Mary, in their camper, and serving with Scout troops. A longtime amateur radio operator and radio enthusiast, he enjoyed learning new things and connecting with others through his many interests.

Above all, Derwood was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be remembered for his steady presence, practical wisdom, strong faith, and willingness to help others.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Puckett; his son, Garry Puckett; and his brothers, Jerry, Jean, James, and Brooks Puckett.

He is survived by his daughters, Karen Garrison and her husband, Jerry, of Salisbury, and Wendy Vandevere of Salisbury; daughter-in-law, Diane Puckett of Shelby; his brother, Guy Puckett and wife, Betty, of Salisbury; grandchildren, Joseph and Paige Puckett, James and Xingyi Puckett, Sarah and Gavin Coombs, Jonathan and Grace Garrison, Rebekah Garrison, Jarred and Savannah Garrison, Anna and Clint Lytle, Jason Garrison, Dalton Vandevere, and Devin Vandevere; and great-grandchildren, Daniel and Matthew Puckett, Noah Puckett, Jackson and Elise Coombs, and Josiah Garrison.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 9, 2026, at Brookhill Memorial Gardens in Rockwell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Salisbury, designated for Missions, 223 N. Fulton Street, Salisbury, NC 28144.