PRESSLEY, LEE R.
Gy/Sgt Lee R. Pressley, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired) passed away on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2006, after a long illness at the age of 83.
Sgt. Pressley was born March 28, 1923, in Selma, Ala. He was the son of the late Dewey Hobson Pressley and Lillie Milstead Pressley. He was raised in Selma and graduated from Albert G. Parrish High School.
The “Gunny” joined the Marine Corps in 1942 after graduating from high school. He went to San Diego, Calif. for recruit training. After boot camp, he immediately volunteered for the U.S. Marine Raiders and was an original member of that elite group. He fought with distinction for three years in the Pacific arena, winning many medals and awards. He spent the next five years pulling stateside duty, until the Korean War started. He was one of the first Marines to go. He served with the 1st Marine Brigade from the Pusan perimeter, Inchon landing all the way north to the Manchurian border. He was a Chosin Reservoir survivor. He was in Korea for 14 months and was evacuated back to the States after being wounded coming out of Chosin. The “Gunny” retired from the Marine Corps in 1962 at Philadelphia, Pa. He was the Administrative Chief for Marine Recruiting with recruiters spread over three states.
Sgt. Pressley was also retired from the Okaloosa County School System. He worked at Wright Elementary and had 14 years at Edwins Elementary, where he retired in 1985.
Sgt. Pressley was a member of the Marine Raider Association, Marine Corps League, life member American Legion Post 235, life member VFW Post 7674, a charter member of VFW Cooties (Honorary Degree) Pup Tent 41, and Honorary Judge Advocate Emeritus VFW Post 7674.
Sgt. Pressley was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lois W. Barrow Pressley, and former wife, Jean Baker. He is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Linda Lee and Larry Morton, Debra Jean “DJ” and John Gallardo, Teri and Don Brewer; four grandchildren, Mike Sicuranza (Paula), Jeana Adams (Scott), Jennifer Pelfrey (Chris), Kendall Brewer (Cindy); eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild on the way. Also, many, many friends, especially John and Tammy Phillips, Gene and Debbie Carroll, Jim Carey and so many others that have been such a special part of his life. The family sends a very special love and appreciation to the wonderful people of Hospice of Emerald Coast, because with your love and support, Daddy’s long trip was made much easier, and to our newfound sister Bonita, all our memories contain your smiles.
Visitation will be on Monday, Aug. 14, from 5 to 8 p.m., with funeral services Tuesday, Aug. 15, at 10 a.m., at Emeral Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E., Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Emerald Coast Hospice, 2529 South Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, FL 32536.