John Webb Presley Sr.'s Obituary
John Webb Presley Sr. age 76, died peacefully on February 16, 2019 surrounded by his family at his home in Kilgore, Texas after a lengthy illness.
John was born September 3, 1942 in Pocahontas, Arkansas to Robert and Jamie Presley. He was the youngest of four children. He grew up in Southwest Arkansas and later moved to Texas, where he married his wife of 53 years, Shirley Lumpkin, on June 6th, 1965.
John graduated High School in Big Sandy, Texas. He later earned his Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree from the University of Texas at Tyler. He began his law enforcement career at the Longview Police Department in 1969. He served there for several years before beginning his teaching career at Tyler Junior College and later taught at Panola Junior College. In 1980, John began teaching at the East Texas Police Academy at Kilgore College. He taught at the academy for 34 years, and he retired in May 2014. He had a significant impact on countless law enforcement officers throughout East Texas. He earned several awards and certifications and was a subject matter expert on many aspects of law enforcement. He served on a select committee in Austin to draft jail standards which were later adopted by the State of Texas. He enjoyed his law enforcement career and particularly loved teaching other officers. John was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and he had the honor of playing taps for fallen soldiers as their remains returned from Vietnam. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. John was a member of Christ the King Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Longview, Texas.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Ann Presley of Kilgore Texas, two sons and a daughter John and Kathi Presley of Cold Spring, Texas, Danny and Stephanie Presley of League City, Texas, and Brud and Jamie Hankins of Kilgore, Texas, 11 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Jamie Presley, and his three siblings Bob, Jim, and Sue.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 20. 2019 at Rader Funeral Home in Longview, Texas. Pastor Phil Dodson will officiate the services in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home in Longview, Texas on Thursday, February 21. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ the King Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 5648 Gilmer Rd. Longview, TX 75604.
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