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BORN
1948
DIED
2024
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John Presley Obituary
John was born in Jonesboro, AR on March 24, 1948, to Marvin Woodrow Presley and Willa Louise Taylor Presley. He received his PhD in English from Southern Illinois University and was a professor of English at Augusta College where he first entered college administration. His academic administrative journey took him from there to Lafayette College, University of Michigan Dearborn, SUNY Oswego and finally Illinois State University from which he retired in 2014 as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
He and Katherine then returned to Augusta, her hometown, to reestablish connections with friends and enjoy retired life.
John was predeceased by his parents, his sister Judye Presley and his brother Keith Presley. He is survived by his wife, his stepdaughters, Katherine (Rodger) Sweeney and Mary Gray Smeak (Karl), their children Kevin (Blair) Sweeney, Dylan Smeak and Shelby (Morgan) Larkin, and a sister-in-law Betsy Presley.
In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations in John's memory may be made to The First Tee of Augusta, The Gertrude Herbert Museum of Art or The Augusta Humane Society.
No service is planned at this time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Presley
Sponsored by Platt's Funeral & Cremation Services - Evans.
3 Entries
John poster
July 3, 2024
I worked with John at U of M Dearborn. My wife, Madeline, and I got to know the Presleys well. John claimed to be part Indian although the specifics were hazy. Nevertheless, his proper southern lady, wife, called him her oversexed Indian. You can tell they were a fun couple.
NancyBall
February 18, 2024
I have such fond memories of John from our days working together at Lafayette College. He had a wonderful sense of humor and always had a funny "southern saying" for goofy/unusual situations. He was smart, kind, and a joy to work with.
My thoughts are with his family.
Nancy Ball
John Sappington
February 16, 2024
Fondly remembered.
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