Gary Eugene Pressley
April 6, 1949 ~ November 19, 2011
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Gary Eugene Pressley, 62, passed away peacefully into the hands of his loving Heavenly Father at his home on November 19, 2011, after battling Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). Gary was born in Asheville on April 6, 1949 to G.B. and the late Thelma Higgins Pressley. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife of 43 years, Rebecca (Becky) and beloved father to Meredith and Melissa.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Sutton Pressley; his father, G.B.; two brothers, Richard (Debbie) and Kevin (partner Mike) of Asheville; two daughters, Meredith Pressley (fianc� Ryan) of Black Mountain and Melissa Pressley Woodard (Shawn) of Gray, TN; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Carol Sutton; and several nieces and nephews.
Gary was a graduate of Lee Edwards High School, A-B Tech, and Montreat College. Gary was a longtime employee of the Square D Company for 38 years where he last served as a Project Manager. He was a member of Biltmore Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, member of the SPAN (Servants Paying Attention to Needs) ministry, and an AWANA leader. He loved to serve the Lord by helping others, especially by helping remodel houses for those in need. He was an avid competitive water skier and served USA Water Ski as a senior and Pan-Am judge and scorer, as well as head of the seeding committee. Gary served our country in the Navy for four years.
A celebration of life service will be held at Groce Funeral Home on Long Shoals Rd., Arden, NC at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2011 with Pastors Sam McLamb and Kelvin Moseley presiding. Burial will follow at Pisgah View Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Groce Funeral Home on Long Shoals Rd. in Arden.
Flowers are appreciated but donations in his memory to the Biltmore Baptist Church SPAN ministry or the Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter of the ALS Association, www.catfishchapter.org, would also be appreciated.
The family would also like to thank the staff of the Veteran's Administration Hospital, CarePartners Hospice, his CNA Adam Gresham, Biltmore Baptist Church, and all of the friends and family who took such good care of Gary during the past five months.
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Becky, Meredith and Melissa, We are so very sorry for your loss. Gary was special to us both. He will be greatly missed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Mike & Cathy Buchanan
We send our love and prayers to your family during this sad time. We pray God wraps His Amazing Grace and comfort around each of you. We love y’all very very much!!
It’s hard to think of Becky, Meredith or Melissa with seeing Gary right there with them. He so clearly loved his family and loved spending time with them. Gary was blessed with uncommon wisdom, and he dispensed it with humor and grace. We hurt for Becky, Meredith and Melissa. We know his passing leaves an overwhelming, painful hole in their lives. They are in our deepest prayers. We will miss Gary greatly, but we will enjoy memories of his smile, quick wit and unshakeable devotion to Becky and his girls.
David and I feel completely blessed for having the chance to meet and get to know your wonderful husband and father. He is truly in the arms of his savior now. You could just feel the love flow through him for his friends and family at the wedding. Praying for all of you in the coming days of coming to terms with this heartbreaking passage you’re having to take.
I worked for Gary when he was manager of shipping and receiving. I am so sorry to hear and read of his passing. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow and loss.
we have been and will continue to be in prayer for your family may God comfort you as only he can at this time gary will be greatly missed
love
robert & denise
Dear Becky,Meredith,and Melissa,
We are so sorry that Gary had to leave you. Hallelujah he is with the Lord and his body is healed. That does not take away from the fact that you are going to miss him and long for him to be with you. May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Gary was such a man of God and I know that the Lord knew just the right time that he wanted him with Him. Love to all three of you. Please call of you need anything Becky.
We were so happy to see Gary at the Westwood church reunion last year. There are so many good memories of our growing up together. Our prayers are with you all.
I am so sorry for you loss. He is in the Lord’s arms now. He was a great friend to everyone in his life, and I was blessed to know him.
Dear Becky, Meredith, and Melissa, please know that I have been and will continue to lift all of you guys up to the Lord in prayer. Gary will be greatly missed but what I am rejoicing in is the fact that in a short while we will see him again. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Our hearts go out to each and every family member. The most of my life, to marriage, was spent with the Pressley family, Gary, Kevin and Richard at Westwood. I treasure it all deep in my Heart. God love you and take care of you through this very difficult time. Love to all, Beverly
I will remember you in my prayers. I worked with Gary for 35 years and respected his integrity. I considered him a good friend and I know he will be missed deeply
Thank you for sharing Gary with the Lyda family all those years ago. He was and will always be among the sweetest, kindest of men. Your deep loss is shared by many who knew and loved him. May God continue to bless you and enrich your lives with His love and the love and rememberances of Gary.
Patty
I am deeply saddened by the news. I will forever think of him when I see a calm lake – perfect for skiing. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
We are friends of Becky and Gary at Biltmore Baptist Church. What a joy it has been to fellowship with them over the last few years. Just Friday, November 11, my husband, Tommy, was having his 5th surgery in less than 3 years. As my oldest son, Bryan, and I were sitting in the hospital room late that night, Bryan said, ‘This is the first surgery I remember without Gary.’ Gary was ALWAYS in the hospital waiting room with us during open heart surgery, cancer surgery, eye surgery, stomach surgery and back surgery!!! What an impression his ‘waiting room ministry’ made on the heart of my children. We love Gary and Becky and spent much of our time talking about our children! We will miss Gary so much! Praying for you, Becky, Melissa, and Meredith!! Holidays are hard so will be praying extra hard. Much love to all of you. Your dad loved you so much, Meredith and Melissa. Becky, we love you so much and wish I could take away some of your pain!!! Love, Sandra
Becky and family we are so grateful that the Lord let us get to know Gary and how much he was a blessing to us,and how much he loved the Lord.Gary will be greatly missed,but oh how he is rejoicing.We are praying for you and your family that God will give you strength now and for all the hard days ahead.
I am so honored to have your family in my life. We have shared so many special moments together and ones we will all treasure forever. Your husband, son, brother, father, uncle and friend is truly the sweetest man and has touched so many lives. His legend will continue to live on through his strong courageous girls. Your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Much Love, Christine
Becky & family, you are in our prayers. Gary was such a strong man of God. He didn’t just talk the talk but he walked it also. He is going to be missed by many. We hurt for you as you go through this very difficult time. Please know we are lifting you up in prayer.
Becky & family, you are in our prayers. Gary was such a strong man of God. He didn’t just talk the talk but he walked it also. He is going to be missed by many. We hurt for you as you go through this very difficult time. Please know we are lifting you up in prayer.
Thinking about all of you. Will keep you in our prayers. Love Chuck and Wanda
Our prayers are with you Becky and the girls. Gary was a wonderful friend of our ski family. Love to each of you! Brenda & Jerry Hargis
Becky, Meredith, Melissa
Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. It was my privilege to know and work with Gary at Square D. He was always available to help in any way he could. He was knowledgeable, dependable but most importantly he was a friend. I always valued his counsel and input.
We know you miss him but you have that confidence that only a Christian can have of knowing you will be reunited with him again for all eternity.
Jim & Joyce Warren
Thinking about you during this sad time. I pray for God to give you the strength and comfort you need. Love you all.
Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow. Gary was truly one of the most devoted father’s I have ever met, and I benefited from this devotion just by being a close friend of Meredith’s. Whether he was spending hours getting our TV in the perfect place (with no cords in sight) in our college room, or moving all of our furniture into our first apartment, or staying up late helping make chocolate suckers for my wedding, there was not anything he would not do for his daughters and even their friends. Meredith and Melissa, I know that you each had such a special relationship with your Daddy and that you are going to miss him so incredibly much, but hold tight to all those beautiful memories (and the special necklaces he gifted you with as a physical reminder of his love and the Lord’s plan), lean on your friends and family for strength, and always remember how much you are cared about.
Peace, prayers, blessings and much love,
Meredith I’am so sorry for your loss.I understand what you are feeling at a time like this.Stay strong. We love you.
Joan and Tim Carter
We send our deepest condolences in the loss of this wonderful husband and father and friend to all of us. His life meant sooo much to us all because of the love, compassion, and friendship he shared. God was glorified thru his life here on this earth. Love to you all!
So sorry to hear of Garys passing. I worked with Gary at Square D for many years. My prayers to his family.
Our PRAYERS go out to the FAMILY and Gary was a very GREAT person and friend during our years at Square D. The BEST supervisor that I had in my 44 years at the D.He again was a GREAT friend and CHRISTAIN. He was a great person to know and will be SORELY MISSED by his family and friends.
Mrs. Becky, Meredith, and Melissa,
We are so sorry to hear about Mr. Gary. He was such a great man, husband, father, and ambassador to our sport. I absolutely loved having him in the boat when I skied and to this day, my biggest score ever was when he was riding! We will pray for your comfort and will pray that you still feel his presence as he touches you from Heaven. We love you all!
April, Chris, Kamryn, and Landis
Shirley and Gary Coble
It has certainly been a pleasure working with Gary for so moany years. He was a great person. Our prayers are with you.
I had the privilege of working with Gary over the last couple years as he led a critical project for our company. Gary was a good and well respected gentleman and a pleasure to work along side. He will be missed. My prayers to his family as they move through this difficult time.
Meredith: I am so very, very sorry. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Lisa and Mike
Becky, Meredith and Melissa,
Please accept our deepest condolences in the loss of a great friend and role model to all of us. He will be greatly missed and will always be remembered.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love, The Fulp Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Garys many contributions to the sport of water-skiing will never be lost.
Mike & Sue Pelletier
Beaver Lake Ski Club
I am truly saddened by Gary’s death. Gary was a very smart, kind, considerate an patient man. His passing will leave a void in our hearts here at Schneider Electric. If there is anything I can do to assist in anyway, please do not hesitate to call at anytime. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with Gary and the ones he loved.
Dear Gary, thank you for the 38 years of service to Schneider Electric. You were a pleasure to work with and it was an honor knowing you. Your optimistic attitude and kind manners are what I remember most about you. My prayers are with you and your family, you will be missed.
Ken Engel
co-worker
I’ve only known and worked with Gary a few years,in person only on two occasions but many times by phone and email. As busy as he was Gary always had time to give me advice on work related issues and as well he was a valued friend. It is an honor to have known him as a friend and co-worker. He will truly be missed by many.
Gary was a pleasure to work with and will be missed. My thoughs and prayers are with you.
I am very sorry to hear about Gary’s passing. I have worked with Gary on many projects throughout the years with Square D and he was alway a great person to work with.
My prayers are with Gary and his family.
When I come to the end of the road,
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room,
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not too long,
And not with your head bowed low,
Remember all that we have shared,
Miss me…but let me go.
This is a journey that we all must take,
And each must go alone,
It’s all part of the Master’s Plan,
That final step on the road to home.
When you’re lonely and sick of heart,
Go to the friends that we have known,
And busy your sorrows in doing good,
Miss me…but let me go.
author unknown
Dear Becky and Family,
We join you in celebrating Gary and the beautiful, godly imprint he has left on so many others.
With our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Gary and his family touched our lives more than words can every express. Especailly on Sunday mornings under the big tree at Skyview Lake and other water ski sites with his kind words of encouragement from the good book that always filled our hearts with joy and reassurance that giving our life to Jesus Christ will reward you with eternal life. Rest assure that Gary is walking with the Lord our Savior by passing through the gates of Jesus that he has witness to so many of us over the years. Love, Darryl, Evie and Chad
Dear Becky, Meredith and Melissa,
Kathy and I were saddened to hear of Gary’s death but glad to know that his suffering is over.We thank God for the good times we have shared over the years and look forward to seeing Gary again when we all get to heaven! We pray that God will give to you His comfort and grace in the coming days!
Becky, Meredith, and Melissa,
We are so sorry about Gary. We wanted you to know you’re in our thoughts, our prayers, and our hearts. We express our deepest sympathy at this most difficult and painful time.
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
We’re missing our friend and brother Gary and continue to pray for Becky and the family. May our Lord comfort you and give you peace as you move through the grieving process.
Gary was one of the nicest persons we have ever met. He was an example for everyone he came in contact with. We wish we could have known him better. He will be missed but not forgotten.
My deepest sympathy to the family. I grew up with Gary and went to grade school through high school with him. He was one of the nicest sweetest people I’ve ever known. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gary and I worked together only a couple of years and he was always the consumate professional, a mentor willing to share his knowledge, and a friend you could count on. My thoughts and prayers for your family.
Becky, Meredith and Melissa,
When Gary and I worked together at Square D and I had problems with my old cars and trucks, he would take time to explain what he thought was wrong and what I needed to adjust or replace. More often than not he was right.
Paul Harvey wrote “What are Fathers”. Part of the story goes:
“… fathers hurry away from the breakfast table, off to the arena which is sometimes called an office or a workshop…where they tackle the dragon with three heads: Weariness, Work and Monotony. They work too hard trying to smooth the rough places in the road for those of his own who will follow him”.
“I don’t know where fathers go when they die. But I have an idea that after a good rest, he won’t be happy unless there is work to do. He won’t just sit on a cloud and wait for the girl he’s loved and the children she bore. He’ll be busy there, too…oiling the gates.., smoothing the way”…
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Sorry to hear about the passing of Gary he was one of my friends during high school,my thoughts and prayers are with his family
Rebecca, Melissa, and Meredith,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Gary was such a gentleman and the epitomy of a ‘good’ man, a loving husband, father, and christian person. God has called him home early for reasons we cannot begin to understand. We hope you can find some measure of comfort knowing he is free of pain and suffering.
With our love and support,
Michael, Susan and Family.
Dear Becky, Meredith and Melissa,
I was so saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. I had seen him flying out at the airport on several occasions and it was always a treat to speak with him and catch up with his girls. He was so proud of you all!
I remember the times you had Curt over when he was young, and Gary always seemed to get a kick out of Melissa and Curt! He was great to work with on the many school committees as well.
Gary was a wonderful man, and I just want you to know how deeply saddened I am by your loss.
In sympathy,
Melissa
Dearest Becky,
I wish I could be there, but most importantly I share your celebration that Gary is now with His Master in his Eternal home! I will continue to pray that Jesus will lead you by still waters. Many blessings to you!
Dear Becky and Family:
It was a pleasure getting to know Gary these past few months. I really enjoyed Gary’s sharp mind, quick wit and gentle demeanor. I was saddened however to see how aggressively the ALS was stealing his mobility away from him.
You are in my thoughts even though I am unable to attend the memorial.
Respectfully,
Colin Larsen
So sorry for your loss. Things like this are never easy, but with the love of family and God you will find the strength to make it thru. Just remember, he is looking down on each of you, no longer suffering or in pain, and you will all be united again one day. Melissa, if I can do anything please let me know, I am here and know what you are going thru. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love ya,
Katie
Dear Becky, Our deepest sympathy to you and your daughters. We have had you in our thoughts and prayers ever since you told us about Gary. We were greatly saddened to read about Gary in the paper this morning. Please cherish your memories and know that Gary will not have to suffer from ALS any more as he will have a new body. We know he is rejoicing with Thelma. Please give our condolences to G.B. Again our deepest sympathy to you and your daughters.
Mrs Becky, Meredith and Melissa
Mr P will be greatly missed. He was such an inspiration to us all. Keeping you guys in our prayers.
Becky, Meredith, and Melissa,
We think back on the many hours we spent together at ski tournaments, most of them out-of-town, but the ones in Asheville that took many hours to set up, run smoothly, and take down. Those were the good times. Gary enjoyed skiing so much and was so dedicated to see that young people were given the opportunities to participate. We treasure the times that our family was able to work and play side-by-side with your family. Gary was a family man!
I am very sorry to hear about Gary. He has been in my thoughts and prayers since I heard of his illness. I worked with and for Gary for many years at Square D. My prayers go out for the family during this difficult time.
I never would have imagined that when I sat next to Gary at the Square D ‘Christmas’ luncheon last December, it would be the last time that I would see him in person. Thanks so much for sharing Gary’s journey with ALS on CaringBridge. You all have been such an inspiration and blessing as you shared your joys and sorrows and faith and miracles during this time. The Lord you serve will continue to walk with you as you continue your journey without the one you loved so much. May His joy and comfort continue to fill your hearts and lives each day.
Becky and family, My heart goes out to you at this most difficult time. Gary was a very special person and we are all better off just to have known him. I am very lucky to have known him since he was a boy. We will never forget him.
Love, Flora Lynn
Psalm 116:15
Dear Becky and Family,
May God’s love and that of friends and family surround and support you as you remember nd celebrate Gary’s life.
What a light for Christ Gary has been and it is joyous to think about his dancing with Jesus now! We will miss that smile and sparkle but there will be a reunion soon and very soon, we love you Becky
Jack and I remember Gary from Square D.Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May you find comfort and peace knowing Gary is not suffering any more, he is in a better place.
Becky and family,
I was sorry to here of Gary’s passing. I will remember him as one of the nicest guys I have had the pleasure to know.
We are sorry to learn about Gary, our Thoughts and Prayers are with you.
To the family of Gary, I am very sorry to hear of the untimely passing of Gary. We were friends from the 60’s while riding around in our Chevys and then when I went to work at Square D as a toolmaker we were together again. I would not have asked for a better friend. I never worked for him but I always heard good things about him. I wish you all the best and we all know where he is now and I will keep you in my prayers during your time of bereavement. I am sorry that I am not able to attend the services since I am just returning from out of town business trip. Take care and God Bless each of you. Jim Lyda
I was sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I enjoyed knowing and working with him for many years.
Becky and family, we were so sorry to hear about Gary. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
My sympathy to the family. I knew Gary in high school. He always had a smile. He was one of the nicest people I knew. I lost touch with him over the years but it sounds as if he was an incredible man. I pray the Lord will give you comfort during this time and allow your hearts to have peace in knowing Gary is in pain no more. May God Bless you today and in the days and months to come.
Becky,
Our prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for caring for our family all these years.
Our love and condolences are with you all. Sorry we didn’t know in time to come up for the funeral. Becky we love you and the girls and pray that somehow you can get through the passing of Gary. He left behind a lot of love ones and will miss him terrible. We loved Gary and respected him highly.
If there is anything we can do you know we are here to help. Earl and John Stanley had planned to come up the end of this week to see you both. We love you and the girls and we are certainly going to miss Gary.
Our prays are with you all. Love Mr. Earl and Theressa
Dear Becky and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He was so much fun to work with during our years at Enka High Booster club. He was so smart and lead us to what we have now. We would have never done it with out his wonderful talent. God Bless you and your family through the holidays as now you will have one more angel looking out for you.
God Bless,
Kim Dawson
Our Condolences to all of the family and friends . Caretaker at Pisgah View Memorial Park.
Becky, Meredith and Melissa,
We know how heartbroken you all are with the loss of Gary. We are heartbroken also. There are no words to express how we feel right now. We are so thankful that Gary is now at peace and reunited with his Mom. He’s back skiing and has probably increased his score by a pass or two and is already running some heavenly water ski tournaments. We will certainly miss his Sunday morning services at tournaments.
Rejoice in the fact that you will all be together again. Love you all.
Tommy & Ann
I was deeply saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. I know that he earned his wings and his crown to move to his mansion where he will be healthy again. I hope you all find comfort knowing he suffers no more. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.