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Obituary For Mr.Willie Roy Pressley
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.
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Pam I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Willie I'm praying for you and your family. Take your rest big guy job well done. RIH Mr. Willie
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This was my father's right hand man, he's always been kind to me since I was a little girl! He will truly be missed but never forgotten! Stay strong family!
Sending our condolences to the family in the passing of your love one ..We will continue to keep you in prayer ..
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ToThe Presley Family so sorry for your loss praying for peace and strength RIP William Dorothy Buchannon
To the family and friends of Willie Roy Pressley I offer my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of my friend and classmate from A.J. Griffin and William Penn High School. Willie and I worked together for two years at Sanitary Seafood along with James Henard. Willie was an above average student in math and science with a love for basketball. One of our favorite pass-times was attending the Ritz on Washington Street. It is with joy and thanksgiving that I reflect on the life of this man of God. Rev.14:13 says "And I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write: Blessed are those who die in the LORD from now own. Yes says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for the will rest from their hard work, for their good deeds follow them."
My deepest sympathy and condolences go out to my family during this time. I am deeply saddened to hear of Uncle Roy's passing and want to send love and hugs to everyone during this time. As we know he was a great force of laughter, love, and abundant knowledge in this world and he will be so greatly missed for all of those reasons as well as many more. May everything he shared with us throughout our years be shared throughout the world with others to allow his memories to carry on for generations for his Pressley legacy to continue on. May we all stay Pressley Strong during this hard time. I love you all and I'll miss you dearly Uncle Roy💚 P.S. thank you for the secret grill trick you taught me as a kid.🤭 I'll forever think of you and pass it down. Love you, always & forever'eva😘
Pam,Hank and the Pressley Family We offer our deepest condolences and prayers during your time of bereavement. We will truly miss Willie being one of us Rest in Paradise Willie
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Willie. My heartfelt prayers are that God will comfort and strengthen you during this journey.
Sorry for your loss Time by Glory Robin's little
Condolences to your family during this difficult season
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Dear Mrs. Pressley (Pam) and Family,
On behalf of the William Penn High School Class of 1965, I extend our deepest condolences on the passing of our dear friend and classmate, Willie Roy Pressley. He was not only a cherished member of our class but also a beloved friend to many.
As we remember the wonderful moments we shared with Willie, we wish you strength and peace during this difficult time. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rest in peace, dear brother.
Sincerely, Ronald L. Truesdale President, William Penn High School Class of 1965
Prayers for the Pressley Family. Lost a dear friend just like a brother as we had history. Willie (Big Moe) Allen
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
