Kenneth Presley

Kenneth Lee Presley, 92, passed away on August 21, 2023, in Washington, DC.
Ken, as he is best known, was born on August 14, 1931, in Danville, KY, to Ed and Maudie Presley.
He graduated from Parksville High School (Class of 1950) and studied at Watterson College where he consistently made the President’s List.
Ken married Effie Ann Whitis on March 15, 1954, near Danville, KY. The couple had three children, Kenneth Edward Presley, Elizabeth Ann “Libby” Vecchiotti, and Gary Wayne Presley.
Ken served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1960, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was assigned to the 15th Air Force, part of the Strategic Air Command, and was stationed at Scott (O’Fallon, IL), Biggs (El Paso, TX), and March (Riverside, CA) Air Force Bases. He served a tour of duty in Okinawa, Japan.
Ken was best known for his faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his compassion for people. His hobbies included fishing, billiards, bowling, gardening, and following politics. He attended the Alum Springs First Church of God, the very church his parents helped establish nearly a century ago. He was active in Project Partner where he joined others to build churches and schools in Nicaragua.
Ken was awarded the commission of Kentucky Colonel, the highest honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
For two decades, Ken, “Effie” Ann, and their children resided in Jeffersontown, KY where he was well known as the owner of Presley’s Gulf on Taylorsville Road. The family attended the First Church of God of Louisville.
Upon selling his business, he resided in Alpharetta, GA, where he worked in the insurance business, most notably administering a program for the Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes. Upon retirement, he returned to Parksville, KY, where he worked for NAPA Auto Parts in Danville. Ken is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Effie Ann Presley; daughter Elizabeth Ann Vecchiotti; parents, Ed and Maudie Presley; and siblings, Howard, Harless, Ernest, Elmer, Sadie, Edith, Reeva, Imogene, and Naydean.
Ken is survived by sons, Kenneth Edward (Mary) Presley, and Gary Wayne (Nicki) Presley; grandchildren, Amanda Meade, Angela Presley, April Presley, Gregory Harmon, Harrison Zimmer, and Tyler Presley; great-grandchildren, Logan Meade, Riley Edward Meade, Alexis Harmon, Anneliese Harmon, Gunnar Harmon, Kellen Harmon, Paxton Harmon, and Scarlette Harmon.
The funeral service for Kenneth Lee Presley will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 2, at Alum Springs First Church of God, 3758 Alum Springs Road, Danville, KY 40422.
The visitation will be from 4 p.m.- 6 p.m., Friday, September 1, 2023, at Stith Funeral Home, Junction City.
Burial will be in Danville Memorial Gardens, Danville, KY.
Memorial donations can be made in Kenneth’s name to Alum Springs First Church of God.