On October 20, 1968, Derrick Avery Holliday was born to the union of Fred Williams and Fathine (Faye) Holliday. He was his mother's only child.

Derrick started his education in East St. Louis. At the age of nine years old, he moved to Los Angeles, California with his mother. He completed his education at Dorsey High School in L.A.

In 1989, Derrick became a first time father to a beautiful baby girl.

He returned to East St. Louis in 1994. He reunited with a young lady who later became his wife in 1998. To this union, five children were born, three girls and two boys. Derrick accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. He joined Refuge Temple Pentecostal under the leadership of Pastor Alveta Williams.

Derrick departed this life peacefully on Monday morning, January 7, 2019 in the comfort of his wife's arms.

He leaves to cherish his memories his mother, Fathine (Faye) Holliday; his sweet mother-in-law, Faye Burnett; a devoted wife, Tatanisha Holliday; two sons, Derrick Jr. and Dylan Avery; four daughters, Shawna Renae, Faye Desiree, Shaniah Marie and Britney Alexis; five granddaughters, three grandsons, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and lots of friends.