Thomas Ray Pressley

Thomas Ray Pressley, 97, peacefully passed away on December 6, 2025, at Haywood Regional Medical Center. Ray was born on March 21, 1928, to the late Baxter Garland Pressley and Maida Rosalee Roberson Pressley.

Ray served his country by joining the Navy as a Medical Corpsman. He was employed with Champion International for 40 years. To serve his community, Ray joined the North Canton Fire Department. He and his wife Ruby were long and loyal members of North Canton Baptist Church. Ray enjoyed antique cars, especially his 1929 Model-A Ford, which he personally restored. His car was tagged "BackinTime" and was showcased in antique car shows, winning awards and driven in many Canton Labor Day Parades.

Ray and Ruby enjoyed traveling in their motor home alongside his sister, Polly, and her husband, Roy, in their motor home. The couples had great fun and great adventures traveling the continental United States in retirement.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his brother, G.B. Pressley; sister, Wilma Pressley Smith; his son Donnie Pressley; his son, David Pressley; his grandson Colby Pressley; and his wife of 67 years, Ruby Ivester Pressley in 2017.

Ray is survived by his great grandson, Cayce Pressley; great grandson, Carter Pressley; his grand-daughter-in-law Carla Pressley; and a sister, his buddy, Dorothy (Polly) Minzenmayer, and her husband Roy, as well as many loved nieces and nephews.

Ray was a genuine treasure and will be so missed by his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 14th at 3pm at North Canton Baptist Church. This is a special day for Ray as it is Ruby's Birthday as well. 

Wells Funeral Home of Canton is honored to be serving Thomas Ray Pressley’s family. Condolences may be offered to the family under his obituary at www.Wellsfuneralhome.com.