Derrick Alan Ramsey, 49 of Rock Island, IL, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island. Cremation will be directed by Mississippi Valley Cremation and Direct Burial, Moline, IL. A celebration of life will be at a later date. Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on his tribute page at www.mvcremation.com.
Derrick had a long battle with mental health issues, and diabetes with associated health issues including diabetic comas. His pain and suffering has ended. When you think of Derrick, focus on the positive things.
Derrick received his GED and went to school to be a welder. He worked making flighting for augers. Later he was employed at John Deere as a welder.
Derrick’s greatest love was for his daughters Kaitlyn Woods and Rylee Ramsey. He was heavily involved in softball with Kaitlyn. He enjoyed playing video games with the girls along with watching funny videos. He loved teaching his girls to cook. There was a special love for the family cat Cheeto.
Derrick wanted to be a standup comedian. He loved to pull pranks and tell jokes. He especially loved when a telemarketer would call. That’s when the comedian would kick in. Derrick’s other passions were the local demo derbies in his younger days. Another was playing foosball with his brother and friends. RC cars and drones were also among his hobbies, along with drawing and painting. Derrick also was musically inclined and played the trombone in high school. The musical ability transferred to his daughter Rylee. He liked to do some gardening and grow some house plants.
Derrick is survived by his daughters, Kaitlyn Woods and Rylee Ramsey; brother, David Ramsey; mother, Daniece Hollenback; stepfather, Mike Hollenback; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles.
He is proceeded in death by his father, Randy Ramsey; grandparents, Mary and Lawrence Steele; and grandparents, Ina and Joe Ramsey.