Dwight Presley

10/28/1950 - 01/04/2021

Obituary For Dwight Presley

Dwight was the fourth of seven children born on October 28, 1950 into the loving family of Wayne Harley and Jessie Luvella Presley. He departed this life on January 4, 2021 when his soul took flight from this world to his heavenly home; a place of peace and eternal rest.

He attended Buffalo, Northside Elementary and Tipton Street High School where he graduated with honors in 1968. Because he was viewed as scholarly, his classmates called him the “Professor.” He matriculated to Mississippi State University in the Fall of 1968 where he earned a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science. He remained a loyal and devoted enthusiast of Mississippi State. MSU memorabilia and Bully, the mascot, can be found in every room of his home, in addition to the Mississippi State attire that he always loved to wear. He received his Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Delta State University in Cleveland, MS and also attended the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School where he completed the Strategic Management in Corrections Program.

Dwight loved the United Methodist Church. He confessed his belief in Christ at an early age at Buffalo United Methodist Church in Kosciusko, MS., where he served, in his youth, as the church’s pianist and was a faithful member of Methodist Youth Fellowship. After moving to the Mississippi Delta, he joined Haven United Church in Clarksdale, MS where he served in many leadership positions including the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, the Trustees Board, Administrative Council, Lay Leader, and a member of the renowned Haven Choir. He remained a faithful member of Haven until he relocated to Ridgeland, MS in 2008. He subsequently, joined Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where one of his best buddies, Rev Dwight Prowell, was the minister at the time. He remained a devoted member of Aldersgate until his passing, where Rev. Johniel Henry presently serves as pastor. At Aldersgate, he also served in a variety of positions and was a member of the church’s choir. Additionally, Dwight was a board member of the Jackson State University John Wesley Foundation. During the 1980s, he attended Beasley United Methodist Church in Drew, MS.

In 1974, Dwight began his lifetime career as a Correctional Counselor at the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) at Mississippi State Penitentiary (Parchman) providing guidance and counseling to inmates. In 1978, he was promoted to Corrections Associate Warden, which included directing the implementation of Community Correctional Treatment Centers. He participated in the funding, construction, and administration of these centers. In 1981, he became Correctional Superintendent of Programs in which he supervised correctional programs such as Voc-Ed, Alcohol and Drugs, and the Law Library. In 1985, Dwight served as Deputy Warden at Parchman, and while serving in this position, he was appointed to Interim Superintendent in the absence of a Warden. In 1986, he coordinated the first inmate graduation exercise in the history of the Mississippi State Penitentiary. In July, 1989, he was appointed Associate Superintendent and in July, 1996, he was appointed to Warden at the Penitentiary until he became the Director of Training at the Central Office in Jackson, MS, in May, 2006. He served in this position until his retirement in May, 2010. His tenure with the Mississippi Department of Corrections spanned 36 years.

In community affairs, Dwight was also very active, especially in Clarksdale-Coahoma County, where he served as the first African American president of the Clarksdale-Coahoma County Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the first Leadership Class of the Chamber of Commerce in Clarksdale, MS. Moreover, he continued to serve in many leadership positions with the Chamber, where the primary goal was to bring industry and manufacturing into the area.

Dwight was well known for his wit, his honesty, his intelligence, and his straightforwardness. You always knew what he thought.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Wayne and Jessie Presley; a sister, Joyce LeJune Presley-Edwards; and a brother, Marlin Kent Presley.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his son Julian(Chelesa), three grandchildren, whom he cherished, Javon (Kyiesha), Ciera and Jensen; a great-grandson, Javon, Jr., Dr. Vivian M. Presley; two sisters, Doretha and Marqueta Presley; two brothers, Lannie (Luvenia) and Dexter(Shirley)Presley; three uncles, Isaac (Mable), Harvey, and Wimbott (Kathy) Presley, and a host of beloved family and friends.

Dwight, we remember and continue to feel your love; the love you had for God, the love you had for the church, and the love you had for family and friends. This legacy of love, integrity, and devotion, which was your life, will never fade away or be forgotten.

All of us who knew him will find solace and comfort knowing that:

He is in every step we take. He is in everything we do. He is in the air we breathe. He is in every beat of our heart. He is like the wind. You cannot see him… but you always feel him.

We love you always, Dwight. Rest in Peace.

PLACE OF GRAVESIDE: Buffalo Cemetery, Kosciusko, MS

DATE OF GRAVESIDE: Saturday, 1/09/2021 at 11:00 a.m.

INTERMENT: Buffalo Cemetery, Kosciusko, MS

VIEWING: Friday 1/08/2021 at 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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