Dilday, Decatur Lee, 71, a resident of Huntington Beach for over 47 years, lost his fight with Alzheimer's on November 14, 2015. He was blessed with an amazing life, a family that loved him, and cherished friends. His family was able to spend those last precious hours with him.

Decatur was born on August 14, 1944 to Robert Francis Dilday and June Eugenia Dilday in Long Beach, CA. He attended Poly High School, Long Beach City College and graduated from California College of Mortuary Science in 1965. He and his brother, R. Burr Dilday, followed in their family's footsteps and started Dilday Brothers Mortuaries. The Huntington Beach mortuary was opened in 1968, the Long Beach mortuary was opened in 1971, and Garden Grove mortuary in 1975. Over his 30 years of ownership he touched many lives throughout his community and comforted many families during their time of need. His legacy will live on through his inspiration, loyalty, and family values.

He met his future wife, Linda Ray, at Mammoth Mountain in December of 1966, shortly before he entered the Air Force Reserves. They were married September 14, 1968 and remained happily married for over 47 years. Decatur is survived by Jason Dilday (Natasha), Tamara Gilbert (Aaron), Nicole Cohen (Jamey), and Shannon Dilday (Scott); his grandchildren Katelynn, Jacob, Addison, Carter, Alex, Hannah, Katerina, Sydney, Anya and Sutton; a brother, R. Burr Dilday; sisters, Susan Dilday and Cindy Petersen (Gary).

Decatur was a prominent member of Southern California Tuna Club, Royal Order of Jesters, El Bekal Shriners, Long Beach Scottish Rite and Long Beach York Rite. He was also a member of Long Beach Yacht Club, Rotary Club of Huntington Beach, Huntington Beach ELKS, Kachina Club, International City Lodge #389, and SOBIB.

The family wishes to express their appreciation for the loving care Decatur was given at Lotus Senior Care (Huntington Beach) and by Graceland Hospice.

Visitation is Friday, November 27, 2015 at Heritage-Dilday Mortuary from 5:00 - 8:00 PM. We will celebrate his life on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at the Long Beach Yacht Club, 6201 Appian Way Long Beach from 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to: Alzheimer's Family Services Center, HB (http://afscenter.org/donate/); and/or SCTC Foundation, P.O. Box 87, Long Beach, CA 90801. For more information visit http://tinyurl.com/decaturdilday.