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BORN
1944
DIED
2015
FUNERAL HOME
Decatur Dilday Obituary
Dilday, Decatur Lee, 71, a resident of Huntington Beach for over 47 years, lost his fight with Alzheimer's on November 14, 2015. He was blessed with an amazing life, a family that loved him, and cherished friends. His family was able to spend those last precious hours with him. Decatur was born on August 14, 1944 to Robert Francis Dilday and June Eugenia Dilday in Long Beach, CA. He attended Poly High School, Long Beach City College and graduated from California College of Mortuary Science in 1965. He and his brother, R. Burr Dilday, followed in their family's footsteps and started Dilday Brothers Mortuaries. The Huntington Beach mortuary was opened in 1968, the Long Beach mortuary was opened in 1971, and Garden Grove mortuary in 1975. Over his 30 years of ownership he touched many lives throughout his community and comforted many families during their time of need. His legacy will live on through his inspiration, loyalty, and family values.
He met his future wife, Linda Ray, at Mammoth Mountain in December of 1966, shortly before he entered the Air Force Reserves. They were married September 14, 1968 and remained happily married for over 47 years. Decatur is survived by Jason Dilday (Natasha), Tamara Gilbert (Aaron), Nicole Cohen (Jamey), and Shannon Dilday (Scott); his grandchildren Katelynn, Jacob, Addison, Carter, Alex, Hannah, Katerina, Sydney, Anya and Sutton; a brother, R. Burr Dilday; sisters, Susan Dilday and Cindy Petersen (Gary).
Decatur was a prominent member of Southern California Tuna Club, Royal Order of Jesters, El Bekal Shriners, Long Beach Scottish Rite and Long Beach York Rite. He was also a member of Long Beach Yacht Club, Rotary Club of Huntington Beach, Huntington Beach ELKS, Kachina Club, International City Lodge #389, and SOBIB.
The family wishes to express their appreciation for the loving care Decatur was given at Lotus Senior Care (Huntington Beach) and by Graceland Hospice.
Visitation is Friday, November 27, 2015 at Heritage-Dilday Mortuary from 5-8. We will celebrate his life on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at the Long Beach Yacht Club, 6201 Appian Way Long Beach from 11:30-3:00.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to: Alzheimer's Family Services Center, HB (http://afscenter.org/donate/); and/or SCTC Foundation, P.O. Box 87, Long Beach, CA 90801. For more information visit http://tinyurl.com/decaturdilday.
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Memories and Condolences
for Decatur Dilday
Sponsored by Press-Telegram.
Lynne McGregor DeLaTorre
November 28, 2015
I am truely sorry for the loss of Decatur. Growing up next door to your family left many wonderful memories. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family and I hope knowing he is in good hands now will give you comfort.
Dennis O'Hern
December 10, 2015
Linda,
Truly sorry to hear of your and your family's loss. May God give you all comfort in this period of sorrow. And to Decatur may you rest in eternal peace with the Lord.
Richard Williams
November 29, 2015
Dear Linda,
Am saddened to learn of Decatur's passing, and especially after losing his battle with Alzheimers. We both entered the Air Force Reserves at the same time, and it was a special surprise to see you both again years later at a gathering at Gene and Jeri Hill's house in Huntington Beach. Please accept my condolences and may your faith, family, and friends help you through this difficult time.
Greg Owen
November 24, 2015
Dear Linda and family:
So sad to hear of your loss, Decatur was a fantastic guy and I have nothing but fond memories of our times together. Like most everything else to do with SCTC, life was always fun, lots of laughs and one good time after another. Decatur will be missed but never forgotten.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Marty Green Cunningham
November 23, 2015
Sorry to hear this.
Cheryl Barrickman
November 22, 2015
We The Kennedy Girls love you♡♡♡ Kandy, Karrie & Cheryl.
Sleep in heavenly peace.
November 22, 2015
So sorry to learn of Decatur's passing. We went to school together for several years. Had lockers next to each other one year. He was a good guy.
Jacki Allen Vandyke
Leslie Moberly
November 22, 2015
Prayers for Decatur and all your family from mine to yours. Leslie (Ripley) Moberly
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Memorial Events
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Nov
27
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Heritage-Dilday Memorial Services17911 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Funeral services provided by:
Heritage-Dilday Memorial Services17911 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
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