Billy M. Decker, 75, of Blairsville, Ga., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Ga.
Billy was born in Murphy, the son of the late Virgil Lee Decker Sr. and Bertha Lee Stiles Decker.
Billy had a strong work ethic his entire life, starting with delivering the Atlanta Journal and the Grit all over town as a young boy on his red and white Louisville Blue Grass bicycle. He even earned a writeup in the Journal as part of the “Decker Delivery Franchise” for the Murphy area.
After graduating from the newspaper delivery business, he rode in a Kern’s bread truck, delivering bread to many of the same customers as his newspapers.
Billy moved to Blairsville in 1969 and joined Union County Bank, now United Community Bank, becoming its 13th employee. A loyal employee of the bank, he played an integral part in its growth over the years, working in both Blairsville as well as the Murphy operations.
He enjoyed helping people the most, and especially looked forward to Customer Appreciation Day, where he would greet everyone with his warm, welcoming smile, giving out tomato plants and (lots of) hot dogs.
Wherever Billy was, there was joking and laughter. He enjoyed golfing with the grandkids and going on camping trips. He loved the beach, and especially the fresh seafood that came with it. A traveler, Billy visited many wonderful places, creating cherished memories with his family.
Billy was devoted to God, his family and his church, First Baptist Church of Blairsville, where he served as a deacon.
Billy would light up a room with his contagious enthusiasm and smile.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but especially by his loving family members, wife of 55 years, Eva; daughter and son-in-law, Davia and John Mark Gordon; son and daughter-in-law, Darren and Julie Decker; and Carol Chastain, who is part of the family; two brothers, Virgil Decker Jr., and Jerry Decker; and grandchildren, Chandler Gordon (Emma), Brock Gordon, Haley Gordon, Andrew Decker, Emma Decker and John Austin Decker.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, in the main sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Blairsville, with Pastor Fred Lodge and the Rev. Roy Bateman officiating. Special music was presented by Terry Hooper.
The following gentlemen served as pallbearers: Chandler Gordon, Brock Gordon, Andrew Decker, John Austin Decker, Mike Decker, Travis Decker, Steve Drake, Brian Allison, Daryl Allison and Craig Davenport.
The following gentlemen served as honorary escort to the family: Jimmy Tallent, W.C. Nelson, Ricky Davenport, Paul Owenby, Andy Williams, Joe Fair, Ronnie Burch, Glenn Hamby, Burl Conley, Bobby Jackson, Jim Allison, Hoyt Raper, Mike Calloway, Wes Hopgood, David Gowder and Bill Foster; also asked to serve as honorary escort were members of the C.R. Collins Joy Sunday School Class.
Burial was in Union Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Visitation began at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, in the church sanctuary, and continued until the funeral services began.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 98016, Washington, DC 20090-8016.
Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville was honored to be serving the family of Billy M. Decker, 75, of Blairsville.
Please visit our website at cochranfuneralhomes.com and leave your condolences and fond memories.