George M. Decell,
III, Colonel US Air Force (Retired) passed away on Friday, August 5, 2016 at
the age of 85 surrounded by his loving wife, children, grandchildren and great
grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Christina
Ellen Decell and his children Cynthia L. Novella (Robert), Craig S. Decell
(Marion), Damian L. Decell (Daniela), Renee E. Williams (Wiley) and Stacey A.
Doby (Lance). His son, James William Decell, predeceased him in 1986.
Additionally, George and Chris were blessed with fifteen grandchildren and
twelve great grandchildren.
George was
born and raised by Edith C. Decell and George M. Decell, Jr. in Brookhaven, MS
and he attended Brookhaven High School. He was appointed to the US
Naval Academy in 1952 and graduated in 1956. Immediately upon graduation he was
appointment to the US Air Force, and began his career as a fighter pilot. He
served a tour in Vietnam, and various other posts including faculty positions
at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, and the Armed Forces Staff
College in Norfolk, Va.
George
retired from active duty in 1986 in Brandon, FL where he dedicated most of his
time to his family and any type of work which supported his golf habit. He also
loved to fish and hunt. George and Chris made a couple more moves, including
Hot Springs Village, AK, before settling in McKinney, TX close to many of their
children. Throughout his life he was a man of faith with a strong commitment to
our Lord Jesus Christ.
His
memorial service will be held at 5:00pm on Thursday, August 11, 2016 at Charles
W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 601 S. Tennessee Street, McKinney TX 75069.
The family will be receiving friends for viewing prior to the service from
3:00pm – 5:00pm.
The burial
will take place at 10:00am on Friday, August 12, 2016 at the DFW National
Cemetery located at 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas TX 75211. Online
condolences may be sent to the family at www.cwsfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of
flowers the family asks that you make donations in George's name to his
favorite charity:
Missionary
Companion Ministries
PO Box
26237
Fayetteville,
NC 28314
Email:
don@mymcm.org
