Dr. John William (Bill) Decker passed away on July 18, 2022 at his home in Savannah, Georgia. Bill was born in Berea, OH on February 1, 1944 to Renette and Mark Decker of Bluffton, IN. He grew up in and around Indianapolis, graduating from Ben Davis High School in 1962, earning nine varsity letters along the way (football, basketball, wrestling, and baseball). After high school, Bill attended Indiana University, where he was a member of Kappa Delta Rho, and then Indiana University School of Dentistry. Upon graduation in 1969, Bill served in the United States Army at Fort Hood, TX for two years before beginning his private dental practice in New Castle, IN. While in New Castle, Bill raised his two children—Melissa and Ryan—while establishing his highly respected dental practice. An avid golfer and accomplished skeet shooter, Bill enjoyed years of competition and camaraderie with his friends, including annual trips to Myrtle Beach, SC and one memorable trip to Scotland. Upon retirement, Bill moved first to Lake Jovita, FL and then ultimately to Savannah, GA. Before his passing, he and his wife Linda were members of the Skidaway Island Baptist Church in Savannah.

Bill is survived by his wife, Linda; his daughter, Dr. Melissa Crenshaw (Tommy Crenshaw); his son, Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Decker (Heather Decker); his four grandchildren—Helen and Tommy Crenshaw and Landon and Isabella Decker; his sister, Marcia Taylor; his nephew, Gary Long; and his nieces Terri Tramm and Sherri Cureton.

A service celebrating Bill’s life will be held at Elm Grove Cemetery in Bluffton, IN at 1:30 PM on Saturday, August 27. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Wounded Warrior Project, a local hospice or local animal shelters