Larry Presley

1945 - 2023

Larry Wayne Presley, 78, passed away in his home peacefully after an extended illness. He was born on January 1, 1945, in East Tupelo to the late Noah Edward Presley and Christine Houston Presley.

He was a United States Army veteran during the Vietnam War and stationed in Korea 1965-1967. He was a law enforcement officer, serving more than 27 years in the profession. He served as a Tupelo Police Officer from 1972-1996 and retired as Major of the Patrol Division. Following the murder of his brother, Sheriff Harold Ray Presley, in July of 2001, he was elected Lee County Sheriff and served the remainder of Harold Ray's term until 2004. He was nominated and selected as the State of Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 1990 after saving an unconscious and trapped automobile crash victim from a burning vehicle. Additionally, he was recognized as the Lee County Courier's "Best of the Best" Law Enforcement Officer 2001-2004. Following his law enforcement service, he volunteered his time as a selected member of the Tupelo Police Citizens Advisory Board. He was passionate about serving his community and loving his neighbor. He was a faithful member of the East Main Church of Christ in Tupelo, MS where he previously served as a deacon.

Visitation will be from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm; funeral services will follow 2:00 pm Monday, April 3, 2023 at Lee Memorial Funeral Home with Minister Barry Kennedy officiating.Burial will be in the Lee Memorial Park. Lee Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

He is survived by his daughter, Caryn Hood of Tupelo; his son, Marcus (Amy) Presley of Bentonville, Arkansas; brother, James Roy (Barbara) Presley; sister, Norma Riley; grand-children, Elizabeth, Jonathan (Jennifer), Sam, Joseph, Ella, Anna Averi, and Jack; nieces and nephews, Dennis, Kevin (Beth), Kirk (Dixie), Ricky (Linda Bob), Kristi (David), Kitzi (David), Joey (Tina), Brenda (David), Cathy, Greg, Greta, Brandon, Brad, Jada, and Wendy; as well as three great grandchildren whom he adored.

He is preceded in death by his father, mother, and 15 brothers and sisters, Harold Ray, Bobby Gene, Arnold, Eva, Mary Jo, Sales, Doc, Ruble, Goble, Sedera, Eck, Whit, Sump, Fred, and Vona Mae.

Pallbearers will be the Honor Guard from the Lee County Sheriff's Department. Honorary pallbearers will be the employees of the Tupelo Police Department and Lee County Sheriff's Department.