DECKER George Leo Decker, 96, joined his wife of 69 years, Dee, in Heaven on August 31, 2016, due to natural causes. George was born January 26, 1920 in Wilkes Barre, PA. He proudly served in the US Marine Corps for 28 years and fought bravely in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. George retired to Jacksonville Beach in 1968, where he spent the next 20 years with the US Postal Service. George was a fixture of the beaches community, especially Wingate Park, for his long life. He took exceptional pride in his family, particularly his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. George is survived by his two daughters, Ceri Gamel (Frank) and Cyanne Goodwin (Ed); grandchildren: Alexis (Josh), Mathew, Mark (Candice), Laura, Rachel, Ben, Katie & Julie; and great-grandchildren: Audrey, Colt, Tatum, Brooklyn, Beau & Charlie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in his honor at St. Paul's Catholic Church at 11:00 am on Friday, September 9th with the Reverend William Kelly as Celebrant, immediately followed by a reception in the Family Life Center. The Family will receive guests beginning at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Wounded Warriors Foundation, in his memory. Please visit our online Tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com. Services under the care and direction of Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home ..

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Published by Florida Times-Union on Sep. 4, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for George Decker

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14 Entries

Bob Foley - Sandwich, Ma

July 24, 2023

They say it's never too late, so if that's true I will share this memory. I am the (step) son of the only true father I ever had - Alfred "S" Pettinelli. My dad was good friends with Mr. Decker and served with him in the USMC. We visited the Deckers in 1975 when I was 15 or so and I had the pleasure of listening to these two gentlemen exchange memories and even shed a few tears after dinner sitting at the backyard picnic table. Learning that I was fond of hunting, Mr. Decker regaled me with stories about pheasant hunting in PA, as well as a scary story of hunting in Fl where he encountered rattle snakes, which I recall may have taken one or two of his cherished hunting dogs, leaving him to carry the remaining dog out of danger.
I lost my dad a few years ago and he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery honoring his 22 years in the Marines with a the ultimate rank of Sargent Major. The service was amazing and included 60+ marines, including the President's personal Marine Corp band.
Men like these made sacrifices that most of us can not comprehend fully, but we can try. And we owe them our full respect and gratitude.
Thank you Mr. Decker for your service, your friendship to my father, and for being a great family man who made a lasting impression on a young boy in 1975.

Ted and Ellen Moore

September 12, 2016

Our heartfelt sympathy to your family. Those few hours on the bench next to the dugout with Pops was why we looked forward to home games (well, besides seeing Tyler play). It was our honor and privilege to know him and get to talk to him a few hours a week. A wonderful man.

September 9, 2016

Spent a lot of fun afternoons at high school baseball, sitting in the bleachers and bantering back and forth with George.
You could tell he was still tough as nails.
George fought in 3 wars, got wounded in all 3 wars too. That's what former military folks call "perfect attendance."
He never bragged or said much about his service but he kept his USMC red baseball hat on continually. Our country could use more fellows like George. Glad he got to see his two grandsons make it to the major leagues!

Semper Fi Sgt. Major,
ray forbess, sr.

Polly Scalisi

September 7, 2016

I am so sorry for y'all loss! I loved the little time I would get to spend with both Nan and Pop when visiting Florida. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. You all have 2 angels watching over you!

Pat Sarver

September 6, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss Cyanne. From what I have read and what you have said about your Dad, he must have been an amazing man. Love to you and your family and I will keep your whole family in my prayers for peace and only good memories of him. He is definitely in a place where there is no more pain or sickness and he will be with his love again.

Jamie and Tony Mazzeo

September 6, 2016

George was every bit a Marine and spoke of chocolates, nylons and Chanel No.5. All from a time long ago. He would never speak of the abominations that occurred in the wars that he fought, but I am grateful that he did fight. I grew up a few houses down from him and his perfect yard. A lifetime later, he bought my son a hotdog for every homerun he hit. I have to wonder just how many dogs he bought for the players. God's peace and comfort to the family. He will be missed.

September 5, 2016

To the Children, Grandchildren, and Great-grandchildren of Dee and George Decker: It was one of my special pleasures to share our neighborhood with your family for the many years our family also resided in Jacksonville Beach. Our thoughts will be with you as you celebrate their long and blessed lives.
Eve Steer

September 5, 2016

Mary McGinty

September 5, 2016

Sad to hear that one of the strongest men I have ever met has passed away. It was always such a pleasure to see him when we visited Florida. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren and you saw it in his eyes every time you were around him. Hope Dee greeted him at the Pearly gates. My condolences to the Gamel and Goodwin families - he will surely be missed.

Mary Pat Ledet

September 5, 2016

I shall always remember you as Pop. You had such a tenacious joy of life! Your Nan has been waiting for you.

Ricky Medlock

September 4, 2016

Mr. Decker would always stop by when the boys were playing out the street back in the old neighborhood. He and I would just sit there and watch them play and laugh and say you know these boys are going to be something someday and they all did it He was a very smart man.when the boys were grown I would drive down 18th and he would be sitting out on the front porch and I would stop every once in a while and we would talk about the good old times when the boys were growing up he will truly be missed. I am a better man because of knowing Mr. Decker.

Cynthia Dunbar

September 4, 2016

George was a blessing to everyone he met. I especially remember Christmas eve morning breakfast is on Cherokee Drive. He used to tell me That if I made The grits that he would put them in his car and take them restaurant to restaurant selling them. I also loved hearing of his adventures with his neighborhood cats. He and Dee were a delight to know. Some parts of our beaches life will never be the same without them

Lauren Braren

September 4, 2016

Dear Cyanne,
What a wonderful life your Dad led. I remember meeting him when we were in high school. How lucky you are to have had him for so many years!
God bless you and your family in your time of sorrow.

Dutch

September 4, 2016

A MARINE COMES HOME...

Few, earn the title, United States Marine...
Once earned, they are a Marine Forever...

When they die, their Honor Clean, they appear before Heavens Gates and see two signs, Eternal Peace and Marines...
Below the sign Marines is a path...
The Marine follows the path to a Quonset Hut, Knocks three times and enters...
Behind a table stand two Marines, Colonel Lewis B. Puller and Sergeant Major Dan Daly...
The SgtMaj. hands The Marine a Quill Pen and Bottle of Red black Ink, with which he signs his name to the Duty Roster, after which his Heavenly Robes Fade, replaced by Standard Marine Corps Issue...
The Marine Smiles, and does a right face out The Hatch to The Yellow Footprints to Muster as The USMC Devil Dog Division...

The Marines purpose is clear, to fight the forces of evil for all Eternity under the command of the Ultimate Commander-In-Chief, GOD ALMIGHTY...

"By The Grace Of God,
And A Few Marines,
It's Good To Be Home"...

Semper Fi. George...
"The Old Breed"...

Dutch...