William Jae Decker

William Jae Decker, affectionately known as "Billy D", was born on September

22, 1942 to Dorothy Mae Brunty and William Jesse Decker, in Evansville, IN.

As a child, he had a love and fascination for sports and excelled at the Historical

Lincoln High School, class of 1960. He was known throughout Evansville and the

state of Indiana, as one of the states best all around athletes and was an

exceptionally talented standout basketball player and track star.

His athleticism and basketball prowess earned him a scholarship to the University

of Arizona. He later went on to enroll in the United States Air Force, where he also

utilized his athleticism and traveled across the world playing basketball while

competing and proudly representing his country.

William moved to Chicago, IL, working as a computer software engineer, which

then landed him a job in Minneapolis, MN, where he went on to have a

longstanding career, spanning 40 years, as a Computer IT Specialist. His

commitment to excellence propelled him to director status at Comcast, where he

was one of the only African-Americans in that field during his tenure.

His life was a testimony of love to all that knew him. He devoted his entire life to

his family, being a loyal, committed and loving son, husband, father, grandfather,

great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His laugh was infectious and he

greeted everyone with his contagious and bright smile. His warm spirit and

personality impacted everyone that he met. He was quick witted, charming and

loved a good game of pinochle, bid whist and Monopoly. He was a music

aficionado - always grooving to smooth Jazz and jamming to one of his favorite

R&B groups, the Whispers. He was the proudest Dad and most supportive

Grandfather, always boasting with excitement and raving about his children and

grandsons that went on to excel in sports, just as he did.

He married Renee Thurston Decker, on October 23, 1998, in Minneapolis, MN,

who was the love of his life for over 30 years. He is preceded in death by his

loving parents, William Jesse Decker and Dorothy Mae Brunty, his siblings Karen

Thomas, Allyson Miller, Sean Decker, Theodore Weekley and Marcia Goins. He is

survived by his loving wife, Renee Thurston Decker, ex-wife and friend Tanya

Decker, his children Terri Darrett (spouse Michael), Jennell Decker, Darin

McElroy (spouse Jackie), Brandi Lewis (spouse Ryan) and Clover Decker. His

grandchildren, Michael Darrett, Brandon Darrett, Natasha Williams, Jaden Hunter,

Daryn McElroy, Chase Hunter, Amahn Decker, Dillon Hunter, Chloe Williams,

Anya Decker and great-granddaughter, Milani Skye Hunter, who was born the day

he transitioned.

He was everyone's favorite Uncle, and was beloved by all of his

special nieces and nephews, cousins and his lifelong best friend, Gordon Johnson.

There aren't enough words that can express or encompass the joy that he brought

to others and the love he made everyone feel. He will be missed dearly.