Obituary of Millard Pressley

Millard Morrison Pressley Mr. Pressley, 88, died on February 25, 2011 at Presbyterian Hospital. He was born on January 29,1923, son of the late, William Pressley and Lidea Witherspoon Pressley in Union County, North Carolina who were Founders and members of Stevenson Presbyterian Church in Indian Trail, Pressley was the youngest of their twelve children. Pressley came to Charlotte as a young adult and began a life of his own with wife Marie Flanagan Pressley whom he married on November 27, 1943. The couple had three children, Joyce Marie Grosswald, William Millard Pressley and Martin Dale Pressley all of Charlotte, NC. Pressley was a loving father and faithful husband. He was a top producing salesman for Arnold Palmer Cadillac where he retired in 1984. Pressley was an accomplished musician, performer and mentor as a pioneer in Charlotte for Live and Recorded Music and he performed professionally in Charlotte and along the eastern seaboard. As a song writer he penned many wonderful compositions including his beloved ?Denominations? which characterized the good common traits that religions share. He wrote instrumental country, ballads, and bluegrass songs including a personal favorite ?Bluegrass Wedding.? In the 1950?s Pressley appeared on local television weekly in WBTV?s ?Live Performance? with Cecil Campbell and The Tennessee Ramblers a Charlotte based touring band that traveled the east coast. Pressley also performed and recorded with The Golden Valley Quartet singing harmonious Gospel Music again in truly live recordings which was recently re-released on Starday Records in a boxed set and originally released on King and RCA Records. Another notable record label was ?Blue Hen? which also featured Gospel Music. Pressley led bands including ?Millard Pressley And The Pressley?s?(1960?s), ?Millard Pressley and The Rhythm Makers?(1970?s), and later joined with his son Marty ?Martin? Pressley in recording ?The Pressley?s? in 1994. He also recorded a solo album called ?A Touch of Good Country Listening? all in the 1990?s! Today some of his music can be found on the internet on You Tube. Millard (or Mel as he liked to be known) had developed his talents and was an accomplished Guitarist, ?Fiddle? or Violin Player, ?Mandolin? Player, ?Five String Banjo? Player and Acoustic Bass Player. His creative talent made him one of the most versatile players in the area and he became well known amongst musicians near and far. Mel was a member of the Country Music Association and loved voting each year for top country talent. He was an attendee at the Country Music Awards and an exhibitor at Nashville?s ?Fan Fair.? Pressley also devoted time to leading bands to entertain in Nursing Homes, The Orthopedic Hospital, VA Hospital, Jackson Training School, Methodist Home, Sharon Towers and Salvation Army. In retirement, Pressley spent time with family and playing music with friends and his son Marty. He enjoyed staying sharp on the instruments and had played 30 songs in about an hour with his son his final night on the earth. He enjoyed attending ?Bluegrass festivals?, being with his family, visiting friends and relatives and walking at Southpark Mall with his wife Marie. He particularly enjoyed making new friends through his Church and attending ?Lunch Bunch? events on ?Tuesday?s.? He was a strong believer and a member at Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church. He also served as an Elder at Christ Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his wife of 68 years Mrs. Marie Flanagan Pressley, Daughter Joyce Marie Grosswald and her husband Roger, and son Martin Dale Pressley all of Charlotte. He was preceded in death by his son William Millard Pressley. Pressley also is survived by many nieces? nephews and family who were included in his prayers daily. The family is grateful for Dr. John Pasquini and Dr. Jimmy Adcock. A memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, February 28, 2011 at Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church, 2929 Selwyn Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28209. Interment is private. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service in the fellowship hall at the church. In lieu of flowers please make memorials in any amount to Re: Millard Pressley Family Donations, Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Music Fund 2929 Selwyn Avenue ? Charlotte, NC 28209