Thomas Clinton Derricks was born in 1908 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He received his early education in Hamilton County and graduated from Lincoln High School. He then earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees from A&I State College and Fisk University respectively. After graduating from A&I State College, he was employed by the Davidson County School System and assigned to Haynes Elementary School, where he served as principal when it became a high school. He was devoted to his students and community for his entire career until his retirement. Derricks passed away in 1988, leaving behind a strong legacy of leadership and guidance at Haynes High School and in Nashville.

1. JMOMJAS
CLIO^O:K
VX'RRICXS
Tftomas CCinton Derricks was Born MovemBer 13, 1908
to tfie union of the Cate John Thomas Derricks and Ora
Xinamore Derricks. J{e was a native of Chattanooga,
'Tennessee. CCintons preparation for a productive Cife
started in J-famiCton County, Tennessee where he
received his earCy education and graduated
from
LincoCn 3-Cigh SchooC of Chattanooga, Tennessee. 3-Ce
continued his educationaC aspirations By matricuCating
at .A & I State CoCCege, where he received the 'B.S. degree
and the M.S. degree from fisk
University.
The spirituaCside of CCinton's Cife Began at a very earCy
age when he was Baptized at the St. James 'Baptist Church By the Cate 'Reverend X.
Moore. 3-Ce Became a memBer of the Hock IsCand Baptist Church under the pastorate of
the Cate'Reverend 1. Moor, and was a faithfuCmemBer.
Mr. Derricks was successfuC in his professionaC Cife. Upon graduation from S I State
CoCCege, he was empCoyed By the Davidson County SchooC Syste
and assigned to TCaynes 'ECementary SchooC JAs the schooC grew,
Cater years, the schooC Became a high schooC and the Board o
CCinton Derricks as principaC
3-Ce touched the Cives of many students and inspired them to achieve more Cofty aims and
higher academic endeavors. 3Ce was devoted to the students and the 3-Caynes 3-Cigh SchooC
Community and proved to Be a strong Ceader and capaBCe guide. TCis readiness to Cisten
was aCways an admiraBCe trait. The Cegacy he Ceaves wiCC continue to refCect the good he
taught and the Cessans he imparted. TCis Cife and works wiCC shine very BrightCy through
his former students and friends. 3-Ce wiCCBe soreCy missed By aCCwho knew and Coved him.
On Jhigust 30, 1933 he was united in marriage to the former JAmanda Meredith of
CCeveCand, Tennessee. They Both CaBored untiringCy at 3Caynes SchooC untiC their
retirement
3ie was the Brother to 'Rev. CCevant Derricks, the writer of the spirituaC "Just JA LittCe
TaCk with Jesus" and the JCaynes SchooC JACma Mater.
On .August 30, 1988 Trofessor Derricks departed this Cife , Ceaving his Cegacy for the
entire 3-Caynes Community and City of 3CashviCCe.
PioneerAVildcats August 2006 Page 12
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