Derike Lamont Murrell "Punkin"

Our beloved husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend Derike “Big Deer” Murrell Sr. passed away at his residence, with his family by his side, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Age 53 years. He was born on Friday, May 5, 1972, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Willie and Vera Murrell.

During his childhood, Derike picked up many talents like cooking, drawing, swimming, football, basketball, working on cars, and even being a mentor to some. As time went on, he met some brothers and sisters along the way who stayed solid until the end, while meeting the love of his life during this time, 35 years ago. He then went on to graduate from Saginaw High School in 1990. Over time, he became obsessed with cars, knowing all the ins and outs, making it a lifelong career. A family-oriented man raising five children, Derike was extraordinarily warm, loving, caring, passionate, kind-hearted, most of all honest, and just a “Gentle Giant” who didn’t play; if you know, you know. He loved spending time with his family and close friends, creating memories and recipes, listening to music, and doing what he enjoyed the most, which was working on cars and gardening, if you know what I mean. He will be deeply missed and cherished by those who grew to love him.

Derike will be lovingly missed by his wife of 35 years, Desiree Harris-Murrell; his children: De’Ja-Janay Harris, De-Adriannae Harris, Derike Murrell Jr., DeShawn (Akia) Murrell and D’Asianique Murrell; grandchildren: Da’Maryon Harris, La’Vera Green, Marquayvon and Maryiah Lindsey, Londyn Mayes, Legend Harris, and Masiah Murrell; siblings: Vera Watson, Saundra (Roger) Streeter, Ronnie (Corletta) Murrell, Frederick (Desiree) Murrell, Sheldon (Candy) Harris, Cedric and Seneca Harris, and Jacklyn Pipkins; mother and father-in-law, Jamie and Raymond Hicks; sisters-in-law, Trushone Harris and LaTasha Watson; brothers-in-law, Charles and Martel Harris; aunt, Tina (Jim) Dye; numerous other relatives and friends including a special aunt, Patricia (Charles) McMillan; also special brothers, nephews, cousins, and friends: Jimmy Stewart, Willie Robinson, Navillus Hamilton, Antonio Hibler, Danny Roberson, Antonio Watson, Sheddrick Murrell, Marquis Watson, Leonard Riley, Quangi Glenn, Thomas McKinley Sr., Tamekia Brent, Derrick Abraham, and Pastor Taurus Simpson.

Derike was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Vera Murrell; son, Jamie Harris; grandsons, Khalil Harris and Prince McGhee; niece, Lakeisha Harris; aunt, Francis Morse; and grandparents, Alberta (Robert) McCulley, and Leanna Woods.