Douglas A. Decker

Douglas A. Decker, 86, of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, from heart failure.

Early Life and Education

Doug was born in Jamaica, New York, the son of Alfred and Florence Decker, and younger brother to Ronald M. Decker. He was raised in Forest Hills Gardens, where his family were active members of the Episcopal Church. Doug attended the Kew-Forest School, a college preparatory school in Queens, before pursuing his studies at the University of Denver. There, he earned a degree in Business Administration and Engineering, launching a career that would combine technical expertise with business leadership. He went on to earn his Professional Engineer’s license in both California and Wisconsin.

Career and Contributions

Doug began working for Johnson Controls while still a student. His leadership skills quickly became evident, leading to his appointment as Branch Manager in Salt Lake City. It was during this time that Doug’s passion for aviation flourished—he earned his instrument, commercial, and Airline Transport Pilot ratings, using his plane for both business and pleasure.

In Utah, Doug was appointed by the governor to the state’s Aeronautics Commission, where he championed access for general aviation. His efforts led to the reopening of Wendover Air Force Base, later renamed Decker Field in his honor.

Transferred to Milwaukee, Doug built Johnson Controls’ National Accounts Program and later became Vice President of the Government Business Unit. His work touched national security projects, including the Minuteman Missile Systems, but his greatest legacy was advancing energy efficiency. Doug testified before five congressional committees, advised federal agencies and the executive branch, and spearheaded efforts to improve energy performance in federal buildings.

He founded the Energy Efficiency Forum, convening experts and policymakers to shape national energy policy. His thought leadership was further cemented with the co-authorship of Policy Evolution: Energy Conservation to Energy Efficiency in 1997. For his lifetime of contributions, Doug was inducted into the Association of Energy Engineers Hall of Fame (2001) and the Energy Efficiency Hall of Fame (2009). The Forum later established the Douglas Decker Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his enduring influence.

Adventures at Sea and in the Sky

Doug’s life was not defined solely by his professional achievements. In Milwaukee, he met and married the love of his life, Judith Athey Decker. Together they shared a 41-year marriage filled with joy, laughter, and adventure.

After retiring, Doug and Judy embarked on the voyage of a lifetime aboard their 37-foot sailboat, Limerance. For eight years, they sailed from San Diego through the Panama Canal, spent months in the San Blas Islands and Costa Rica, explored the Mediterranean, and concluded in Marmaris, Turkey, before eventually returning to Pawleys Island. Doug captained the boat, but Judy was proudly known as the “Admiral,” cooking gourmet meals in their small galley and documenting their journey in writing.

The couple also shared a love of aviation, flying together for 30 years in their yellow plane affectionately called The DHL Express. Doug’s dedication to safe flying was recognized by the FAA with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for over 50 years of accident-free flying.

Life in Pawleys Island

For the past two decades, Doug and Judy made their home at Heritage Plantation in Pawleys Island, where they found a welcoming community and lasting friendships. Doug served on the Board of Directors and chaired the Marina Committee, while the couple became known for their hospitality, often opening their home to neighbors and friends. They also shared a deep love for Brookgreen Gardens, leaving a lasting legacy through their support of projects such as the new staircase and greenhouse—spaces that will continue to inspire all who visit.

Together, Doug and Judy celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary shortly before her passing earlier this year. Their marriage was a partnership in the truest sense—rooted in love, adventure, and mutual respect.

Family and Legacy

Doug is survived by his sons Jake and Drew Decker; stepsons Scott Allen (Barbara) and Jason Allen (Debra); nephews William Decker (Vicki), John Decker (Kari), and AC Decker (Liza), and five grandchildren, Nick (Katie), Chloe, Brady, Kailey, and Lawson. He was predeceased by his wife Judy, his parents Alfred and Florence, and his brother Ronald.

A burial service will be held at his family’s church in Haines Falls, Catskills, New York, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Smith Medical Clinic, a cause dear to Doug and Judy.

A Life Well Lived

Doug Decker’s life was one of vision, courage, and commitment. He shaped national energy policy, earned the respect of aviation and engineering communities, and lived his personal life with a spirit of adventure. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

His family and community will remember him not only for his accomplishments, but for his generosity, wit, and enduring optimism. Doug’s legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the institutions he helped shape, and the adventures he so fully embraced.

To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guest book, visit www.burroughsfh.com

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Services (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.