Richard Henry Decker Jr.

Early Sunday morning, May 10, 2026, Richard Henry Decker, Jr., age 88, overcame his lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease as he arose victorious into the loving embrace of his savior, Jesus the Christ.

"Little Dickie" as he was often affectionately called, was born on April 3, 1938, to the late Richard H. Decker, Sr. and Anna Riley Hastings Decker in Richmond, Va.

Mr. Decker attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond, and went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where he was an award-winning member of the historic Pershing Rifles and also a member of Omicron Delta Kappa leadership fraternity.

Mr. Decker worked many years with Blue Cross Blue Shield, both in Richmond and in Roanoke, where he served as a senior vice president until 1988. Armed with a heart to serve his Lord and his fellow man, over the years Mr. Decker was a very active member at Hollins Road Baptist Church, Roanoke and later at Calvary United Methodist Church, Salem. He was a member of the Virginia Jaycees while living in Richmond, Va., and a 42-year member of the Cave Spring Lions Club in Roanoke and was recognized with the Melvin Jones Fellowship award by the Lions Club International Fellowship for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional humanitarian service.

Remaining to cherish his memory is his wife of 32 years, Dianne Poff Decker; and his children with his first wife, the late Jean Johnson Kemp, Richard H. (Chip) Decker III and his wife, Marla Graff Decker, of Richmond, Va., and Sharyn Decker Pugh and her daughter, Ms. Catherine L. Pugh, of Salem, Va. Other family includes Dick's beloved sister, Sarah Decker Johnson, of Kilmarnock, Va. and her daughters, Randi Johnson of Kilmarnock, Va. and Kim Johnson (Don) Marsh of Ashland, Va.; as well as many other much-loved relatives and cherished friends.

The family expresses special thanks to James Archer who, since the first day of hospitalization, faithfully visited Dick, fed him, took him Frosties, and did whatever he could to entertain Dick and let him know someone cared and he mattered even when he couldn't talk with or even remember him. Jim's observations and feedback to the family following each visit was invaluable. God bless you, Jim, and your lovely wife, Nancy. Many thanks also to the fine professional and support staff of Pheasant Ridge Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center for their loving care to Dick and their patience with family, and as well as Affinity Hospice and Palliative Care for the comfort they brought to both patient and family.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Calvary United Methodist Church located at 845 Hemlock Road in Salem, Va., with the Revs. Emory N. Tarpley, Timothy Gearheart, and Elder Thomas Price officiating. All are invited to a brief graveside service following for the interment of the cremated remains at Cedar Lawn Memorial Gardens located at 5070 Cove Road, NW in Roanoke, Va.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.