Obituary: Philip Michael Decker

Philip Michael Decker, age 70, of Kinston, NC passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. Born on September 28, 1952 in Jacksonville, NC, Phil was the son of the late Frances Evelyn Decker Cauley and Millard Alvin Decker, Jr. of Beulaville, NC.

He is survived by his loving wife, Teresa Houston Decker; his brother Kim Decker and wife Jeannie of Raleigh; two sons, Chris Decker and wife Jessica of Kinston, and Cameron Decker of Raleigh; two grandchildren, Taylor and Anna Lynn; and many special cousins, nephews, and close friends he loved dearly.

Phil bravely battled many health challenges over the past few years with his wife and steadfast cheerleader, Teresa, by his side every step of the way. After a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, he received the wonderful gift of extra time to spend with all of us through a lung transplant on June 8th of 2017 at Duke University Medical Center. After six weeks in the hospital for recovery, he worked hard over the next five years and 9 months to take advantage of every extra day he had with us.

Phil loved people. A man of few words, he chose to love through service. His desire to serve led him to join scouting in April of 1964. He was a member of Troop 47 and Explorer Post 47 in Beulaville, NC. Phil served on Camp Staff at Camp Tuscarora and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow in May of 1967. He was a volunteer firefighter with Beulaville Volunteer Fire Department for several years, and in 1971, he joined the US Army National Guard and served for 8 years in Company A, 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment in Beulaville, NC.

Phil thoroughly enjoyed working with the scouting program and devoted many years of his life to the development of character and leadership skills in youth and adults. His work as Scoutmaster of Troop 43 in Kinston, Officer Adviser and Committee Adviser in Croatan Lodge 117, District Commissioner and District Chairman in East Carolina Council Caswell District, OA Chapter Adviser in Neusiok Chapter, and as a member of Wood Badge Staff and NYLT Staff impacted thousands of scouts across North Carolina.

He was recognized for his work in scouting with the Order of the Arrow Founder's Award, District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver Award, and Arnie Formo Service Award, among others. Phil developed many strong friendships through scouting and he leaves an indelible mark in the lives of countless individuals in East Carolina Council and beyond.

Phil was a member of Neuse Baptist Church in Kinston, NC where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Royal Ambassador Advisor, Youth Group Leader, and held other various roles for many years.

Phil graduated from East Duplin High School in 1970 and attended Lenoir Community College and North Carolina State University. After college, he married his best friend and love of his life, Teresa. His interest in electronics and computers led him to open and operate two businesses in Kinston for many years - World of Computers and Eastlink Internet Services. In July of 1998, Phil began working with Lenoir County Public Schools where he eventually served as the Director of Technology. He remained dedicated to the students and staff of LCPS until he was forced to medically retire to battle pulmonary fibrosis in 2017.

With the love and support of his family and dear friends, Phil persevered through the ups and downs of medical challenges and failing health to continue serving his fellow man through scouting, Rotary, NCLGISA, the Lenoir County Historical Preservation Group, and numerous other organizations in his community. He was determined to continue living and enjoying the things he loved. Phil never wanted to miss an opportunity to serve with others, and he would become quite frustrated when health challenges kept him away.

Phil will be remembered for his calm demeanor, his love for others, his commitment to making improvements in the world around him, his fondness for cooking, his dedication to helping youth build character and leadership skills, his desire to serve his fellow man, and his devotion to his family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Community Funeral Home, 840 West Main Street, Beulaville, NC 28518.

A celebration of Phil’s life will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville with Rev. Greg Kincaid officiating. Interment will follow at East Duplin Memorial Gardens.

The family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to the entire medical team at Duke University Medical Center for providing professional, highly-skilled, compassionate, life-saving medical intervention and exceptional extensive care for Phil many times over the past few years.

In lieu of flowers, the family will be exploring ways to honor Phil and his legacy and will announce details in the weeks to come.