William Edward "Bill" Deck was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 23, 1943, to Mildred and Ed Deck. His family was devoutly Catholic, and Bill attended parochial schools, graduating from Christian Brothers High School and St. Louis University, a private Jesuit research university. He earned a Master's Degree from Georgia State University.

Bill had a servant's heart. As a young man he was a member of Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), an organization that placed volunteers throughout the United States to help fight poverty through work on community projects with the goal of making sustainable changes. For twenty plus years, Bill managed his own consulting practice, working with distressed communities to develop access to primary health care, through Community Health Centers (Federally Qualified Health Centers), primarily in the rural south. He retired from the State of Georgia's Medicaid Agency, after serving as Director of Planning and focusing on developing fair reimbursement rates for hospitals and nursing homes

Bill was an artist who had an eye for beauty and design. His creations reflected his sensitivity to the world around him. He designed and renovated houses for his family and friends. He designed outdoor spaces that were beautiful and tranquil. He was a great listener and a talented photographer. He loved music, especially 1960's music and jazz. He and his wife, Rita, loved to travel throughout Europe, Canada, and the United States. He loved his family and was always supportive and generous and loved his sons and grandchildren unconditionally. He had a special affinity for and patience with children, who returned the love he showed them.

When he married Rita her friends accepted him as part of the gang. Bill was the perfect host for the Franklin visitors, always making his breakfast specialty-crepes. He entertained their children and tolerated their nonsense. Bill and Rita moved to Franklin (Rita's hometown) in 2020, after living in Decatur, Georgia for more than 35 years.

Bill went on to Glory on November 30, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 38 years who was the love of his life, Rita Salain; two sons, Jason (Krista) Deck and Adam Deck; his grandchildren, Sophia, Foster, and Frankie; his beloved brother, Jack (Patty) Deck; his sisters-in-law, Debbie Salain and Lulu Miller. Much loved nephews and nieces and their partners; cousins; children of his heart, Mirrin and Lindsey, many great nieces, and nephews along with special friends, Mer, Dave and Linda, also survive.

A celebration of life will be planned for a later time.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.