William B. "Bill" Decker

Bill enrolled at Abilene Christian College in the fall of 1943; after his freshman year, he interrupted his education to serve in the U.S. Navy in WWII. He returned to ACC in the fall of 1946 and graduated in 1949, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Greek New Testament. During his Senior year, he was elected Student Body President.

In June of 1949, Bill married Mary Jo (Jody) Carter in Abilene. In 1951, Bill earned his Master’s degree, also in Greek New Testament, from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Bill began his 37-year career at ACC in 1953, serving as an instructor, advisor, mentor, and in the development office as an estate planner. He was honored as the Outstanding Faculty Member of 1986.

Bill and his family spent 1959 at Ibaraki Christian College, Japan as an exchange teacher and missionary.

In addition to his work with ACC, Bill also blessed many congregations through preaching and teaching. Among these were Indianapolis, IN; San Pedro, Norwalk, and Lompoc, CA; Graham, Star, Buffalo Gap, Matador, Weatherford, Aspermont, and Goree, TX; and Cloudcroft, NM. Bill was devoted to his church family at University Church of Christ. He began attending UCC in 1943. Bill and Jody’s parents attended UCC as well. Bill and Jody raised their four children in the loving arms of this congregation. The fourth generation now attends this congregation. Bill served as an elder for many years. Especially close to his heart were the Central and South American missionaries.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers, Cecil, Roger, and J.R. Decker. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jody; his children, Roma Freeman (Ray) of Austin, TX, MAJ(Ret) Bill Decker (Kathy) of Brenham, TX, Lisa Webb (Tom) of Austin, TX, and Cindy Isenhower (Donald) of Abilene; his 13 grandchildren, Randy Freeman, Robby Freeman, Julie Freeman Haney (Robert), 1st Lieutenant Andrew Freeman, 1st Lieutenant B. Alan Decker Jr., Ashley Decker Hughes (Scott), Sarah Webb Rude (Jason), Thomas Webb, Laura Webb, Stacey Webb, Larry Isenhower (Julee), Anna Isenhower, and Roberta Isenhower; his sister, Vera Boatwright of Lubbock, TX; his brother-in-law, James Carter (Wynetta) of Paris, TX; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Pallbearers are Randy Freeman, Larry Isenhower, Thomas Webb, 1st Lieutenant B. Alan Decker Jr., Jason Rude, Robert Haney, and Scott Hughes.

Honorary pallbearers are Robby Freeman, 1st Lieutenant Andrew Freeman, and the Elders of University Church of Christ.

Visitation will be Monday evening from 6 - 7 p.m. at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. Funeral services will be Tuesday, 10 a.m., at University Church of Christ, with Bill Boverie officiating, assisted by David Perry and Curt Dickson. Burial will be in Elmwood Memorial Park, 5701 Hwy. 277 South, immediately following.

Arrangements are under the direction of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Christian Service Center of Abilene or ACU, P.O. Box 29132, Abilene, Texas 79699.

You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliotthamilfuneralhome.com.