David “Redwing” Decker, 78, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away peacefully and gained his wings on September 26th, 2021. David was a Gainesville native and a true Gator fan. He graduated from P.K. Yonge Laboratory School in 1961. David loved anything outdoors including hunting, fishing, and studying wildlife. He worked as a biological technician for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Reserve for 37 years and specialized in aviary behavior. David was the son of Phares and Velma Decker and brother to Glenn Decker, deceased, and sister Pharlee Fisher. David is survived by his wife of 57 years and high school sweetheart, Sarah Orton Decker. He is also survived by his children, Velena Hartwell and husband John, Brian Decker and wife Jenneina, and his grandchildren Alex, Kylie, Kenna, Gabriela, Bree Ann, Kyle, and great-grandchildren Kalindi, Jay and Brantley. Services to celebrate David’s life will be held at Forest Meadows Chapel at 4100 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32606. Visitation with the family will be from 11:00 am to 12:00pm with the service beginning at 12:00pm. A reception to visit with the family and share stories of David’s shenanigans and adventures will take place afterwards at Dave Mays Automotive, 2905 NE 19th Drive, Gainesville, Florida, 32609. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Wounded Warriors Project at Wounded Warrior Project – Donate.
