William John Decker, Sr.

William J. “Bill” Decker, Sr., long-time resident of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 22nd with family by his side. He was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania to loving parents William Eugene and Carol Cokely Decker.

Before attending college, Bill served in the United States Army in the La Rochelle region of France from 1957-1960. His calling in life was destined to be centered around the game of golf. Even in the Army, he helped design and construct a recreational 9-hole golf course on the base. Following his service, he returned to his new home in Williamsport, PA. A 1964 graduate of Lycoming College with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, he set out into a career as a professional golfer. At that same time, he met and married his beloved wife, Mary Jane Embick Decker.

Earning Class A membership into the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of America, Bill worked as a Teaching/Playing professional and Assistant at the famed Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, PA. He undertook the same role at the historic Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, PA, where he set the West Course record. In 1971, Bill was invited to be the Director of Golf at Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield, Connecticut. It was there he and his wife Jane raised their family, sharing the love and joy of their twin sons Mark & Matthew and youngest son Bill, Jr. They became involved in their community and active parishioners at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Bill then embraced his passion for the sport through the business of golf. He first turned his attention to advertising and marketing with Dun’s Review Magazine, but it wasn’t long until he joined Golf Digest, where he pioneered efforts to incorporate business and financial clients as advertisers in a golf publication. He was instrumental in the development of the organization’s Event Sports Marketing division. He served as the tournament director for the Senior PGA TOUR’s Commemorative Tournament at Sleepy Hollow Country Club (NY), and the Newport Cup at famed Newport Country Club (RI). He also worked tirelessly with the Golf Digest Schools program, working alongside many of the country’s top professional teachers.

After relinquishing his professional golfer status, and reestablishing himself as an amateur, Bill maintained his proficiency as a talented player on the course, winning numerous club championships at Stanwich Country Club (CT) and Connecticut Golf Club. His most notable accomplishment was winning the 1993 Connecticut State Senior Amateur Championship.

In 1996, Bill and Jane settled in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida where they managed a corporate golf event and consulting firm. Winning one more club championship at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Bill decided to re-establish his PGA Professional membership so he could return to the work he truly loved – teaching the game of golf. He conducted numerous lessons and clinics for the ESPN Golf Schools at PGA National Resort, and at the twilight of his career, imparted his knowledge and expertise at Sandhill Crane Golf Club, also in Palm Beach Gardens. He had an affinity for relating to and helping improve the games of players at all skill levels, but he was most proud of his work with young children and high school students who were just getting started in the game. There is no doubt his impact on the lives of so many through his passion and love of the game of golf will endure for generations to come. Bill lived by the mantra of legendary Bobby Jones, who once said, “Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots – but you have to play the ball where it lies.”

Bill’s legacy will endure in the hearts, minds, and lives of literally thousands of people he positively impacted through his work as a teacher, mentor, advisor, and friend over his 60+ years of doing what he loved most – fostering the life lessons of honor, integrity, character, perseverance, camaraderie, fellowship, and friendship inherent in the game of golf. May the memory of Bill continue to inspire and bring happiness to all who knew him.

William J. Decker, Sr. is preceded in death by his dear wife Jane and brother R. Scott Decker. He is survived by his sons Mark, Matthew, and Bill Jr., as well as five grandchildren; Juliana, Matthew Jr., Marisa, Gabriella, and Cora.

A celebration of Bill’s remarkable life will be conducted in the Peace Chapel of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida at 11am on Saturday, November 18, 2023. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bill’s name can be made to the Peace Chapel c/o St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Hospice at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, the First Tee of the Palm Beaches, or a charity of your choice.