Samuel Dale Presley

Samuel Dale Presley, 72, of Paragould, left this world on March 12, 2026, much the way he lived his life, with fierce determination that he would call his own shots. He was stubborn to a fault and was a man not afraid to work hard or to make his own way. He proved that over and over both personally and professionally spending years learning before he and his wife created a business in Progressive Printing and Supply that thrived for 40 years. He was a salesman through and through, but he was also a husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many.

Sam loved fishing, horses and animals, music and flying. He was a self-taught guitar player, frequently playing at home even if the lyrics were not quite right. Horses were a part of his life for a long time, as he taught his kids and grandkids to ride. He could be silly and fun taking the kids to a concert or the lake or to Star Wars movies. But he found great joy when he got his pilot's license, spending countless hours honing his skill. Those times flying also brought him some great friendships and adventures. He loved his weekend flights to have breakfast in Dexter.

Sam spent 54 years married to the love of his life, Ann. Together they created not only a company, but a family and a life full of all of life's joys and messiness. They had two children, Amber (Paul) Boyd of Bella Vista, and Col. (Ret.) Dylan (Dawn) Presley of Oviedo, Fla., that they supported and encouraged to find their own way. But it was the grandchildren who truly made him beam with pride. They could rarely do wrong in his eyes and he loved every time that they got to be together. Grandchildren included Dominic Wayne Presley of Oviedo, Fla., Emma Ann Presley of Costa Mesa, Calif., Sebastian Dylan Presley of El Paso and Nicole Halina Kogut of Jonesboro.

Presley was a 1971 graduate of Paragould High School and then attended Arkansas State University to study business. He was a longtime Mason, a Shriner and a member of the Scottish Rite as a part of the Jonesboro Temple. He was a past president of the Jonesboro Chapter of the Experimental Aviation Association and a part of Paragould Pilot's Association.

Sam was preceded in death by his grandmother, Marie Souheaver; his aunts, Barbara Souheaver, Jean (Dewayne) Cole, Margaret (Sissy) Roberts and Lou Lovett; an uncle, Franklin Souheaver; and his mother, Virginia (Otho) McDaniel.

In addition to his wife, children, grandchildren, Sam is also survived by his brother, Jimmy (Paige) McDaniel of Paragould, and sister Sonya (Russ) Breckenridge of Mountain Home, and many, many friends.

Family and friends gathered to celebrate Presley's life on Monday, March 16, 2026 from 5-6 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home. Burial at Shannon Cemetery in Clay County will be private and scheduled later.

Those honored to serve as honorary pallbearers are Dominic Presley, Sebastian Presley, Harrison Dean, Alan Ainley, Dan Turner, Jim Robinson, Bob Alleman and Tom Counts.

The family would also like to thank Dr. Adam Woodruff, Dr. Brannon Treece and the nursing staff of NEA Baptist Hospital for their care, kindness and compassion.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mitchellfuneral homes.com.