Ernest Presnell, Jr.

Waynesville, Ernest Taft Presnell, Jr., age 80, entered his heavenly home on Sunday, July 17, 2022, to join his Lord and Savior whom he loved and served with joy.

A native of Haywood County, he was a son of the late Ernest Taft and Ethel Forrester Presnell.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Fleming Presnell, who died in 2020; a sister, Myrtle Presnell; and brother, Hugh Presnell.  Ernest retired from Champion International after 47 years.  He was very active in Emmanuel Baptist Church, where he played the piano.  Ernest enjoyed music, reading, and playing the piano at nursing homes.  He wrote many songs, books, and poetry.  Ernest loved the outdoors, collecting heirloom seeds and experimenting with cross breeding with plants and especially creating his own brand of popcorn.  His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.

Ernest is survived by three daughters, Angela Kilby (Pat), Reva McFalls (Ron), Christy McGee (Tracy); son, James Presnell (Maryan); three sisters, Lela Brown, Ruby Haynes and Betty Heatherly; brother, Rannel Presnell; sister-in-law, Cecil Davis; brother-in-law, Delmar Fleming; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in the Waynesville chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Harry Worley and Reverend Walter Bryson officiating.  Burial will follow at Meadowfork Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Kathy Willis for her care of our father during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

The care of Mr. Presnell has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.