Mr William Alan Harris, known as Alan, of Ashover Road, Old Tupton, has died at home, aged 80.
A lifelong resident of the area, he started work in 1943 as an apprentice pattern maker at Clay Cross works from where he retired in 1994 as foundry production manager.
A member of and organist at Old Tupton Methodist Church and founder of the Chapel Players drama group, Mr Harris was a lifelong supporter of Derbyshire County Cricket Club and wrote a regular column for the match programme for Chesterfield FC.
A magistrate for 20 years, he was awarded an MBE in 1993 for services to the community.
He leaves a widow, Jean, son Richard, daughter Catherine, daughter-in-law Jane, son-in-law Martin, granddaughters Tamsin, Lauren and Megan, grandson David and step-grandchildren, David and Jodie.
A service on Saturday at 11.30am at Old Tupton Methodist Church will be followed by burial at Ashover.
Donations to the Methodist Relief and Development Fund.
Funeral directors: S Hallam and Son, High Street, Stonebroom (tel. 01773 872207).