Introduction: Who Was Derrick Chrisley?
Derrick Chrisley is a name that may not immediately ring a bell for fans of reality television, but his place in the Chrisley family story is deeply significant. As the eldest brother of Todd Chrisley, star of the popular reality show Chrisley Knows Best, Derrick’s short life is a poignant part of the family history that often goes unnoticed. Though he passed away as an infant, his story connects the dots of the Chrisley family’s journey—from ordinary beginnings to fame, family struggles, and public scrutiny. Understanding Derrick Chrisley’s life helps fans and observers appreciate the family’s dynamics and the challenges they have faced over the decades.
Quick Bio Information
Full Name: Derrick A. Chrisley
Date of Birth: June 29, 1971
Date of Death: October 23, 1971
Age at Death: About Four Months
Place of Birth: United States of America
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: White
Religion: Christianity
Father: Gene Raymond Chrisley
Mother: Faye L. Smith (Nanny Faye)
Siblings: Todd Chrisley, Randy Chrisley
Burial Place: Old Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery, Oconee County, South Carolina
Cause of Death: Unknown
Family Legacy: Eldest Chrisley sibling remembered in family history
Connection to Todd Chrisley: Older brother, part of family’s narrative
Public Recognition: Indirect, through family and reality TV fame
Derrick Chrisley’s Early Life
Derrick Chrisley was born on June 29, 1971, in the United States of America. He was the eldest child of Gene Raymond Chrisley and Faye L. Smith, who later became widely known as Nanny Faye on the Chrisley reality shows. Derrick had two brothers: Todd, born in 1969, and Randy, the youngest sibling. The family grew up in a modest American household, with Christian values shaping their early years. Derrick’s birth marked the beginning of the Chrisley siblings, though tragically, his life would be brief. Despite his short time with the family, Derrick’s presence is remembered in family histories and interviews.
The Tragic Death of Derrick Chrisley
On October 23, 1971, Derrick Chrisley passed away at barely four months old. He was laid to rest in the Old Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery in Oconee County, South Carolina. Details about Derrick’s cause of death remain unknown, and the family has chosen not to share public statements regarding the circumstances. His untimely passing left a quiet mark on the Chrisley family. While most of the public knows the Chrisleys through their reality TV fame, Derrick’s story serves as a reminder of the private sorrows the family has endured. His memory is quietly honored, even as the rest of the family has moved forward in life.
Todd Chrisley: Derrick’s Younger Brother
Todd Chrisley, born on April 6, 1969, grew up two years older than Derrick. He would go on to become a household name through Chrisley Knows Best, a reality show chronicling the lives of the Chrisley family. Though Derrick’s life was brief, Todd’s connection to his eldest brother remained a silent part of his upbringing. The Chrisleys’ story often references family history, and Derrick’s early death forms a subtle backdrop to the family’s narrative, shaping Todd’s experiences and perhaps influencing the family’s emphasis on their remaining children and values.
The Chrisley Family Overview
The Chrisley family consists of Gene Raymond Chrisley and Faye L. Smith as parents, with three sons: Derrick, Todd, and Randy. Gene Chrisley passed away from cancer at the age of 77, leaving Faye to maintain a central role in the family. Todd Chrisley married Julie Chrisley, and together they had five children: Savannah, Lindsie, Kyle, Chase, and Grayson. The family’s rise to fame began in 2014 with Chrisley Knows Best, which documented their luxurious lifestyle, unique parenting style, and humorous family interactions. Despite Derrick’s absence, the family has carried forward its legacy, often highlighting the values and traditions instilled by their parents.
Derrick Chrisley’s Legacy in the Chrisley Family
Even though Derrick Chrisley lived only a few months, his legacy persists through family stories and the collective memory of the Chrisleys. Derrick’s brief presence is a part of the family narrative, reminding fans that fame is built on generations, struggles, and histories that extend beyond the cameras. His life, though short, symbolizes the importance of family bonds and the resilience required to endure loss. While many know Todd Chrisley for his flamboyant lifestyle and reality television fame, Derrick’s story adds depth and humanity to the Chrisley family history.
Todd and Julie Chrisley’s Legal Troubles
In June 2022, Todd and Julie Chrisley faced serious legal challenges. They were convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion after prosecutors alleged that they used their production company, 7 C Production, to hide over $1 million in income from the IRS. Additionally, Todd was accused of directing an employee to falsify financial documents. Sentences were handed down in November 2022, with Todd receiving 12 years in prison and Julie receiving seven years. The couple also received 16 months of probation each. These legal battles had a profound effect on the family, disrupting their lives and adding public scrutiny to their private struggles. Despite these challenges, the couple was pardoned by President Donald Trump on May 27, 2025, allowing the family to reunite.
Chrisley Family Life After Derrick’s Death
The Chrisley family has experienced multiple trials over the decades, beginning with Derrick’s early death. This initial loss may have influenced how the family values each member and nurtures family bonds. Todd and Julie Chrisley’s legal troubles further tested the family, but the Chrisleys have shown resilience. Savannah Chrisley, in particular, has spoken about the emotional toll of her parents’ incarceration, emphasizing the family’s unity and perseverance. The family’s life story reflects a combination of private tragedy, public success, and ongoing challenges, with Derrick’s story marking the starting point of this complex history.
Reality TV Fame: Shows Featuring the Chrisleys
Todd Chrisley became a well-known figure through the reality TV series Chrisley Knows Best, which aired from 2014 to 2023. The show offered a glimpse into the family’s day-to-day life, parenting style, and luxury lifestyle. In addition, the family starred in Growing Up Chrisley (2019–2023), focusing on the children’s perspectives, and The Chrisleys: Back to Reality (2025–present), which showcased life after legal troubles. Derrick Chrisley was never featured due to his early death, but his story forms part of the family’s broader narrative, enriching the context of their public image.
Final Thoughts
Though Derrick Chrisley lived only a few months, his story remains an integral part of the Chrisley family’s history. From his birth and tragic death to the public successes and challenges of his siblings, Derrick’s legacy reflects the importance of family, resilience, and remembrance. While the Chrisleys have faced private losses and public scrutiny, their journey continues to captivate audiences around the world. Understanding Derrick Chrisley’s story adds depth to the family narrative, reminding fans that behind every reality show are real-life experiences, challenges, and memories that shape the people we see on screen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Derrick Chrisley
Is Derrick Chrisley still alive?
No, Derrick Chrisley passed away on October 23, 1971, at only four months old.
What was the cause of Derrick Chrisley’s death?
The cause of Derrick’s death remains unknown. The family has not shared public details about the circumstances.
Who are Todd Chrisley’s children?
Todd Chrisley and Julie Chrisley have five children: Savannah, Lindsie, Kyle, Chase, and Grayson Chrisley.
Is Faye Chrisley still alive?
Yes, Nanny Faye Chrisley is still alive and continues to be a beloved figure in the family and on reality television.
What happened to Todd and Julie Chrisley legally?
They were convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion in 2022 but were pardoned by President Trump in 2025.
Where is Derrick Chrisley buried?
He is buried at Old Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery in Oconee County, South Carolina.
Did Derrick Chrisley appear on Chrisley Knows Best?
No, Derrick passed away before the family rose to fame, but his story is part of the family’s history.
What is Savannah Chrisley’s net worth?
As of 2025, Savannah Chrisley has an estimated net worth of $500,000.
People Also Read: Who Is Elisa Gayle Ritter? Biography, Family, Career, And Personal Life Explained