Shane Adrian “Dewey” Derreberry, 14, took his own life Monday, March 29.
Fannin County Coroner Becky Callihan said a 911 call came in at 8:42 p.m. The Fannin County Middle School (FCMS) eighth grader had been found by a family member at their home on Snake Nation Road.
Derreberry’s tragic passing sent a wave of emotion through the school and community alike.
The school system sent several counselors to the middle school campus Tuesday morning to “support everyone through the grief and shock of this tragedy,” a letter from School Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney said.
That letter, also signed by FCMS Principal Keith Nuckolls, stressed that “talking and sharing is a key part of working through the sadness and grief of losing someone.”
The letter encouraged parents and guardians to contact the school if they felt their child might need extra help in working through the process.
A service to help ease the grief was held at the First Baptist Church of McCaysville/Copperhill Wednesday evening.
Then, Thursday afternoon, a balloon release was held in Derreberry’s memory at the First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge.
It was at that service similar comments from various individuals were echoed about the teenager.
“He always made sure everyone was happy and having a better time than he was,” said a friend, Bailey Allen.
Saundra, a mother of another FCMS student, remembered “He always had a smile on his face.”
Derreberry, who was a member of the FCMS football team, was remembered as a popular teenager. His obituary includes the description, “His personality was infectious. ...He was an energetic, loving, hugging young man.” The words “always had a smile on his face” were also repeated.
Funeral services are planned for Thursday, April 8, at 11 a.m. from the Calvary Chapel Blue Ridge. Friends may call today, Wednesday, April 7, at Akins Funeral Home from noon until 9 p.m., however, the family will visit with friends from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Derreberry’s full obituary appears on B6 of today’s issue of The News Observer.