Fallen Hero: Retired Technical Sergeant Andy Jennings Presley

Harrisville, MS


Funeral Home

Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home

106 Cynthia St. Clinton, MS
601-924-9308

Visitation

Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home, Clinton,  Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 5:00-8:00 pm and Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 10:00-11:00 am.

Service

Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home, Clinton,  Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 11:00 am.


Obituary

Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:

Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”.

In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.

Another great Airman and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on January 25, 2025 and has moved on to his heavenly home. Retired Technical Sergeant Andrew (Andy) Presley, age 76, who had served within the MSANG within the 172d Civil Engineering Squadron, 172d Airlift Wing has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.

It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country.  A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.

Rest in Peace Airman.  We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.

You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.

Another great Airman has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Airman for Life”.

Obituary, Visitation, and Service details:

Andy Jennings Presley, 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Harrisville, Mississippi, on Saturday, January 25, 2025. Born July 16, 1948, in Brandon, Mississippi, Andy spent most of his life in Harrisville, where he had resided since 1977.

Andy graduated from Forest Hill High School in 1966. A dedicated and hardworking man, he retired after 33 years with BellSouth, where his commitment and professionalism left a lasting legacy. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy and the Mississippi Air National Guard. A skilled marksman, Andy was a decorated member of the Air National Guard Rifle Team and the State of Mississippi Rifle Team, earning numerous trophies that reflected his passion and talent.

Andy loved the outdoors, finding great joy in hunting and fishing. These hobbies, along with his natural skills and adventurous spirit, brought him lifelong happiness. He was a devoted member of Harrisville Baptist Church, where his faith served as the foundation of his life.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents, A.J. Presley and Lenora Graham Presley, and his sisters, June Jones, Mary Anne Lofton, and Jena Norton.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Debra VanLandingham Presley; his son, Thomas Wayne Presley (Angela); and his daughter, Andrea Presley Reed (Jeff). He was a proud grandfather to his grandchildren: Ethan Presley, Riley Dale (Rayeanne), Grayson Dale (Carson), Jordan Bailey, Madelynn Bailey, Peyton Bailey, Cheyenne Garcia (Angel), Kodi Reed, and Justice Reed. Andy’s siblings, Dan Presley, Don Presley, Nancy Presley McKenzie, and Barbara Dexter, along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends, also cherish his memory.

Visitation will be held at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Clinton, Mississippi, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 pm and Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 am. Funeral services will occur on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, starting at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park.

Dan Presley, Don Presley, Jeff Reed, Thomas Presley, Jordan Bailey, and Ethan Presley will be pallbearers. Mike Ward, Wayne (Benjy) VanLandingham, and Allen Neely will be honorary pallbearers.

In place of flowers, the family requests donations to the Harrisville Baptist Church Food Pantry, a cause Andy cared deeply about.

Andy Jennings Presley will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose legacy of love, faith, and dedication lives on in the hearts of those who knew him.