Craig Wilson Pressley

Craig Wilson Pressley, 74, completed his earthly journey and received his wings of glory on Sunday, June 14, 2020, from the Salisbury VA Medical Center, following a period of declining health.

Born March 25, 1946 in Cabarrus County, he was a son of the late Reece and Rachel Thomas Pressley.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Dianne Christy and Jo Ellen Atwell, and a brother-in-law, Boyce Burgess, Sr.

Craig graduated from Winecoff High School in 1964, where he played football. Following high school, he honorably served his country with the US Navy during the Vietnam War.  He then joined the US Army, where he again valiantly served his country during Desert Storm, and finished his military career with the US Army National Guard. Mr. Pressley was a member of First Evangelical Methodist Church in Kannapolis.  He enjoyed playing golf, watching all sports, was an avid Duke fan and enjoyed talking with friends.  He never met a stranger. Mr. Pressley will never be forgotten by his family and all who knew and loved him.   

Family members include his devoted wife of 23 years, Sue Pressley; his step son, Kenny Wood (Jennifer), his step grandchildren, Matthew and Kaitlyn Wood; his sister, Sue Pressley Burgess; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services to remember and celebrate Mr. Pressley’s life will begin at 1:00 PM Thursday, June 18, 2020, at the Salisbury National Cemetery Annex, conducted by the Rev. David Hayes and the Rev. James Smith.  Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard and the NC Army National Honor Guard. Mr. Pressley will lie in state at Whitley’s Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 17th, from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm.

For those who may prefer, memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans, 2400 Rock Hill Church Rd., Concord, NC  28027, or to First Evangelical Methodist Church, 301 Prince Street, Kannapolis, NC  28083.

On-line condolences may be made to the family at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.

Please use Hedrick Avenue entrance to enter National Cemetery for graveside service (Statesville Ave entrance is closed)
Everyone must wear a mask for the graveside service per the National Cemetery
There is no limit on who can attend.

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