Edwin Albert Decker

Edwin Decker Obituary

Edwin Albert Decker, 73, of Ormond Beach, FL, and Lake Norman, where he spent his summers, and formerly of Charlotte, died Thursday, May 15, 2003, at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, Mooresville.
Born December 5, 1929, in Cleveland, OH, he was a son of the late Edward P. and Anna Wiseham Decker. Mr. Decker was a Civil Engineer in the construction chemical business for 45 years and retired as President of Gifford-Hill Chemical Company in Dallas, TX. Mr. Decker was a US Air Force veteran.
He is survived by his wife, Jean D. Decker, whom he married June 8, 1974; and a daughter, Elizabeth Spencer and husband, William, of Austin, TX.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 18, 2003, at 3 p.m. at the Cavin-Cook Funeral Home Chapel, Mooresville, with Rev. Danny R. Stephenson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 20, 2003, at Memory Hill Gardens, Memphis, TN.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Iredell County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1617, Statesville, NC 28687 and/or the Union County Animal Shelter, 4518 Animal Shelter Rd., Monroe, NC 28112.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the family of Mr. Decker.

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Published by Charlotte Observer from May 17 to May 18, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Edwin Decker

1 Entry

Elizabeth Decker Spencer

May 20, 2003

When I was a little girl, my Dad took me to see a Disney movie called “The World’s Greatest Athlete.” From that point on “World’s Greatest Athlete” – or “WGA” for short became the running joke and the self-proclaimed title of my Dad. Being an avid golfer, tennis player and all-around athlete brought much joy to my Dad through the years. The author of the Letter to the Hebrews states: “… let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” Edwin Albert Decker was certainly one who ran the race well and one who ran with perseverance.

Some of you know that my ministry is as a chaplain for a hospice in Austin, Texas. During my 7+ years in that ministry, I have met many wonderful people who have touched my life. But as I stand here today, I can tell you that nothing has touched my heart and soul like the experience of losing my Dad. As I have reflected back on the years with my Dad, the memories have swept over me: times that we shared on the golf course, playing tennis, or riding in the boat out here on Lake Norman. I will always remember my Dad as one who was generous, kind, and compassionate. One who adopted many homeless animals. One who was willing to help someone in need and help that person get on the right track. That’s what the gospel of Jesus is all about: reaching out to the underdog, and helping the poor and the lost. My Dad was a faithful witness to that gospel. I remember when I was the manager of an Emergency Assistance Program assisting the working poor in Austin, my Dad came to visit me. He was pleased with the work I was doing and said to me, “Elizabeth, that’s the best way to help someone; standing right in front of them, belly to belly, and giving them what they need.”

These memories I have are imperishable treasures, which I will carry with me into eternity. I know that even though I have been left behind, my Dad’s spirit will always be with me; as it will be with each of you. And his spirit will live on in all of us: in our memories, in our sharing of stories, and in our hearts. In addition to all those wonderful memories, I also have all the cards my Dad sent me. Some of them are signed “WGA and Jean.” When my husband, Bill, first saw one of those cards, he said, “Who’s ‘WGA’?” I smiled and said proudly, “That’s my Dad.” Edwin Albert Decker: World’s Greatest Athlete, and to me, World’s Greatest Dad.

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