William Parks Preslar

Ruffin-William (Bill) Preslar, Sr., 81, of 623 Estes Road, Ruffin, NC, was mercifully delivered by his savior from the cruel disease of Alzheimer’s on Wednesday, November 18, 2009…he is now at peace and rest with his Jesus. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2009, at 11:00 A.M. at Ruffin Stacey Baptist Church, with Rev. Mike Tillman and Rev. Harold Phillips officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Memory Gardens, with military graveside rites by the Rockingham Honor Guard.Pallbearers will be: Dustin Hash, Lance Hash, Logan Hash, Darrell Tate, Jeffrey Tate, Daniel Preslar, Matthew Preslar, Eugene Preslar, Willie Preslar, Chris Preslar, Wade Preslar, Elizabeth Preslar and April Tate.Bill leaves behind his wife, Thelma Scronce Preslar of 59 years, of the home; sons: William Parks Preslar, Jr. (Janet-deceased) of Skiatook, OK; B. Clyde Preslar (Carol) of Jacksonville, FL; Marvin Ray Preslar of Yanceyville, NC and daughters: Lucy J. Krites (Jeff) and Margaret P. Hash (Sonny) of Reidsville, NC. Bill has 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. WOW!! He loved them ALL!! Bill was also blessed with God sent caregivers: Beth Lewis (five stars), Amy Wray, Teresa Corum, and various friends.Bill was pre-deceased by his mom and dad, Junie Frances and LeRoy Clyde Preslar from his hometown of Marshville, NC; sisters: Blanche Trull (Jack), Josephine Taylor (Curtis), Lib Hayes (Posey); and brothers: Alfred Preslar, Butler Preslar (Evelyne), Jim Preslar, Grady Preslar (Rachel), and LeRoy Preslar.Surviving siblings include sisters: Peg Blalock (Bill deceased) of Lancaster, SC, Nellie Yount (Willard) of Marshville, NC; and brothers: Graham Preslar (Judy) of Marshville, NC, Frank Preslar (Jane) of Jenison, MI; and sister-in-laws: Olene Preslar and Alif Preslar of Marshville, NC and Doris Preslar of Monroe, NC.Prior to his illness Bill was an avid gardener, wood worker, yard sale and flea market junky, and loved the outdoors.Bill retired with 35 years service at Martin Marietta Materials based in Raleigh, NC (serving at various plant locations and dist/corp offices across the eastern states of NC, SC, VA & GA). Following his retirement Bill served as Pastor at Willis Memorial Baptist Church, Cascade, VA (5 yrs). He was an active member of Ruffin-Stacey Baptist Church, Ruffin, NC. In his church he served in various positions: stand-in pastor/speaker, Sunday School and VBS teacher, Feed the Hunger Project volunteer, member of Amputee Support Group, Shut-In Visitation Advocate, etc., etc., etc. Bill served as sergeant with the US Marine Corps, See-Bee with the Naval Reserves, Past President of WWII Combat Airmen’s Assoc., and Boy Scouts of America Troop Leader/Scout Master (5 yrs). He served all positions religious or otherwise with integrity and pride…and most of all he knew how to share the love – both affectionately and godly. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9pm, Friday, November 20, at Ruffin Stacey Baptist Church, and other times at the residence. Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., Carolina Piedmont Chapter, 3420 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215, and to The Feed The Hunger Project of Ruffin Stacey Church, 261 Estes Road, Ruffin, NC 27326.