Mr. Willie Roy Pressley was born in Laurens County on August 3, 1947, to the late Jim Henry Pressley and Louella Anderson Pressley. He battled cancer like a soldier and surrendered his fight to the Lord on June 6, 2025, at Asheboro Hospice House in Asheboro, NC. He was the first son and the sixth child.

In addition to his parents, Willie was preceded in death by his sisters, Girlene Hamilton, Catherine Pressley Miller, Mae Ella Pressley Wallace, and Donna Renee Pressley and brother, James Edward Allen.

Mr. Pressley was a 1965 graduate of William Penn High School. He earned an associate's degree from Johnson C. Smith University and was an eloquent speaker. He was among High Point's first Black firemen and went on to become a water chemist for the cities of High Point and Greensboro after holding various other positions. He was unmatched in numerous areas of expertise. Willie desired to serve his country as a Marine. However, his battered knees prevented his enlisting.

Willie was an avid outdoorsman and possessed skills as a mathematician, chemist, gamesman, cook, meat cutter, bowler, dancer, and charmer. Any conversation with him provided an opportunity for teaching and learning, leaving others in awe of his vast knowledge and experiences. He was truly a genius, and he knew it. What didn't he know? If anyone dared to challenge him, he would find a way to prove them wrong. Willie was affluent in the language of love and his generosity knew few boundaries. His sincere love, strength, wisdom, and hunger for perfection will never be obliterated!!! Willie was amazingly awesome and unforgettable—truly one of a kind! His love was as tender as his protection was fierce. His remarkable presence left a lasting impression that will always be remembered.

Left to cherish his adventurous memories and celebrate his legendary legacy is his loving, prayerful, and faithful wife, Pamela Watts Pressley; his supportive siblings, Dora Pressley Bailey (Edward) of Durham, NC, Anne Pressley Roseboro of Greensboro, NC; and J. Henry Pressley (Joye) of High Point, NC; Doris Pressley White (Christopher) of Hillsborough, NC; Brenda Pressley Baxter of Greensboro, NC; Sharon Pressley Roberts (Stephen) of Atlanta, Ga; W. David Allen (Virginia) of Greensboro, NC; His courageous sons, Darrell Pressley and Kevin Pressley, by his former wife, Ruth Pressley; his loyal bonus children, Maurice Watts, Shemae Watts and Quierra Watts; a host of loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws, and friends! He loved us all!!!

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Turner’s Chapel AME Church. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.