William "Bill" Dekle

William T. “Bill” Dekle
October 15, 1945 – December 2, 2024

William T. "Bill" Dekle, 79, of the Excelsior Community, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Monday, December 2, 2024, at Augusta University Medical Center.

Born in Statesboro, Bill spent his life in Candler County’s close-knit Excelsior Community. He attended Metter High School where he was a standout football player and was named as an All-State End for the Metter High Bulldogs football team in 1962. After he graduated from Metter High School in 1963, he continued his education at Georgia Southern College, now Georgia Sothern University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1967.

After college, Bill proudly joined the United States Marine Corps. He served with distinction as a CH-46 helicopter pilot and achieved the rank of Captain. After serving in the Vietnam War, he was honorably discharged in 1973.

Upon returning home, Bill embraced his roots, becoming a fourth-generation farmer of the land in Excelsior. He began his career as a teacher and football coach at Metter High School but soon devoted himself fully to farming. With tireless dedication, he cultivated tobacco, cotton, soybeans, corn, and peanuts on over 700 acres. His exceptional work earned him recognition as the Outstanding Young Tobacco Farmer of the Year and the Soil and Conservationist of the Year award. Over the years he mentored many young men and women who worked under his direction on the farm. After 46 years, Bill retired in 2019 but remained connected to the farming community.

In addition to his agricultural pursuits, He was a lifelong member of Excelsior Baptist Church where he had served as Sunday School Director and other capacities. He found joy in fishing, dove hunting, and hosting fish fries with friends and family. A True-Blue Eagle, Bill treasured attending Georgia Southern athletic events. He also enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports. He loved spending time with his dogs, especially Squirt who was always by his side.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Jane C. Dekle of Excelsior; his daughter, Katrina Dekle Betz of Enterprise, Alabama; his son, Jeff Dekle (Marnie) of Excelsior; grandchildren, Marley Dekle, Seth Dekle, Emory Jane Betz, and Madelyn Betz; his sister, Beverly Wright (Larry) of Excelsior; his brother, Brent Dekle (Debbie) of New Orleans; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Excelsior Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m., with interment in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Honor Flight at honorflightsavannah.org.

Arrangements are being handled by Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, Metter. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennedyfuneralhomechapels.com.

Bill Dekle's legacy of hard work, love for family, and commitment to his community will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.