Douglas Presley, 78, passed away on October 10, 2022. He was born in Chinquapin, Arkansas, on June 21, 1944, to J.T. Presley and Ida Bell (Pace) Presley.
Douglas was a member of Fellowship Bible Church of Batesville, AR, where he enjoyed serving as a greeter. He was known amongst friends and family as a hardworking leader and a gentle giant. Douglas was the type of person who was always willing to rush to the aid of his friends and family. He always made sure to check in with friends and family on the phone, at the Desha Flash Market, Triangle Café over coffee, or the Batesville Motor Speedway.
Douglas was a Vietnam-era Marine who served as an MP and was a recipient of the National Defense Medal. He owned and operated Presley Plumbing, Heating, and Air for over 25 years. Douglas was a successful stock car racer for many years and loved watching Razorback and Pioneer football. He served as president of the Desha and Batesville School Boards in the 1980’s and 90’s. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose memory will forever be cherished by those that were lucky enough to know him and love him.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Juanita (Jeffrey) Presley; parents; and brothers, Floyd Salter and Loyd Salter. He is survived by his daughters, Dana (Presley) Cosper (Chip) of St. Petersburg, FL, and Jill (Presley) Cox (Cory) of Perryville, AR; sister, Geraldine (Presley) Patterson of Batesville, AR; grandchildren, “Jack” Jackson Douglas Cosper, “Jay” Jacob Presley Cox, and Emma Kate Cox.
A visitation will be held on Monday, October 17, 2022, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Fellowship Bible Church, originally the Landers Theater and the place of his first date with Juanita. The funeral service, officiated by Chip Cosper, will be held at 2 p.m., following the visitation. Interment will be at Locust Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Fellowship Bible Church of Batesville and/or the Locust Grove Cemetery in memory of Douglas and Juanita Presley.
