Nolan Robert Presley

Nolan Robert Presley passed away February 6, 2023 at his home in Fairview, TX at the age of 81 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Nolan was born June 2, 1941 in Vaughan, MS to D.B. Presley and Jean Presley Barnes. He was raised on the family homestead in Vaughan until the family moved to Memphis, TN for a brief time and then on to Ardmore, OK, where he attended middle school and graduated from Ardmore High School in 1959. After high school, Nolan enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1959-1963 as an ABN Radio Operator stationed in Cape Cod, MA. After an honorable discharge from the service, Nolan moved to Dallas, TX where he met Pat at a get-together of neighboring apartment complexes. Nolan and Pat married in 1970 and also during that time Nolan attended El Centro College in Dallas, graduating with an Associate Degree in Business. Nolan and Pat moved from Dallas to Richardson where they raised two daughters and resided for 35 years. In 2006, Nolan and Pat moved to Heritage Ranch, an active adult golf and retirement community in Fairview.

In 1980, Nolan became a Christ follower, accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He and Pat became members of The Heights Church in Richardson. Over the years, Nolan served in the preschool ministry, taught 5th and 7th grade Sunday school classes, served with the Texas Baptist Men doing handiwork and maintenance, drove church buses for various age-group activities, taught in the Beach Club after-school program, and served as an usher during worship services. Nolan loved being behind the scenes to serve others.

Nolan enjoyed a wide array of hobbies. He was an avid reader, meticulous about his lawn, plants, and flowers; was a bird watcher, played cards and 42, rode his bicycle around the neighborhood, participated in several Bible study groups (Share Group Bible Study for 34 years, The Heights Adult Bible Fellowship groups for 43 years and Heritage Ranch Bible Study group), helped neighbors, and just being out and about talking to people. Nolan also loved playing and watching all sports. In his younger years, he played softball in the Air Force, fast pitch softball in the Dallas City Majors league, football in a city league, and later, the church softball team. He also loved to be on the golf course and cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners.

Nolan’s career was in materials purchasing as a buyer/procurement agent for Teledyne Merla, (which later became Halliburton), for 28 years and then DSC, Alcatel, and Genband, where he retired in 2014.

Nolan is preceded in death by Bob and Opal Adams (grandparents); D.B. Presley (father); Jean Barnes (mother); Donnie Presley (brother); Bobbie Cave (aunt); Jacob Lance DeBaugh (grandson); and James Frank Hunter (great nephew).

Nolan is survived by Patricia Presley (wife of 53 years) of Fairview, TX; Paula DeBaugh (daughter) of Richardson, TX; Caroline Presley (daughter) of Cullman, AL; Linda Lathum (sister) of Lone Grove, OK; Rhett Lathum (nephew) of Lone Grove, OK; Grant Lathum (great nephew) of Lone Grove, OK; Camille Stephens (great niece) of Aubrey, TX; Jennifer Lathum (niece) of Lone Grove, OK; Tyler Harris (great nephew) of Ardmore, OK; and six great-great nieces and nephews.

Nolan is remembered and celebrated as a dedicated Christian man, a devoted husband and father, a humble servant to others, a diligent worker, displaying a quiet yet strong presence, patient, having a dry sense of humor, and a generous, tender heart. For the last few years, Nolan was mostly homebound due to his illness. Because Nolan had a relationship and put his trust and faith in Jesus Christ, we have the assurance that he is now healed and with his Lord and Savior.

A Celebration of Life Service for Nolan Presley will be on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 2pm at The Chapel of The Heights Church at 201 W. Renner Rd. in Richardson, TX 75080.

Flowers and Donations:

Flowers may be sent to the church for the service.

Nolan loved plants and flowers and cared for many until he was unable to do so.

Nolan also loved supporting missions, kids, and youth programs at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in any amount may be made to one of the following:

• The Heights Church-Missions

• The Heights Church-Kids

• The Heights Church-Student

Memorial donations can be made via check, cash or online. Please make checks payable to The Heights Church and specify one of the funds above and notate for Nolan Presley memoriam. Cash donations can be made in person at the service via provided envelopes and secure receptacle. Online donations can be made at www.theheights.org/give. Select General Mission, Kids Designated, or Student Designated from the drop down box. Complete your donation and then please send an email to [email protected] noting your donation in memoriam for Nolan Presley so the family will be aware.