Presley L Willett

Presley Willett grew up in an Arlington County that few today could imagine existed. It was a time before the Pentagon, Crystal City and even Reagan National Airport. He loved to tell his stories of growing up and riding his bicycle with friends around the brickyards. Hearing the sounds of the steam locomotives from the railroad freight yard on Rt 1 and visiting the old Hoover Airport on what is now the location of the Pentagon.

After finishing high school, he began to work various jobs until being hired at American Airlines after National airport was completed. He bought his first Harley Davidson motorcycle and enjoyed the rides to Colonial Beach and other destinations. He also bought a western saddle complete with covered stirrups, why he had a saddle we never really knew because he never had a horse but he would love to keep it polished.

Presley met Betty Lou and then was drafted into the Army, they were married during his last year of active service. They lived off base in Alabama, he would laugh about how they were told to leave their garbage out in the yard so the wild pigs would take care of it.

Presley was Honorably Discharged and moved back into Arlington, Virginia. Michael was born in 1953 and Richard came along in 1956. They were able to buy a home in Arlington in 1959 and lived there until 1983 when they bought a new home in Sterling, Virginia. After retiring a few years later, he began to build a large and impressive collection of O scale model trains. This developed into a couple of large layouts with buildings and accessories. He loved to run the trains for the children that would come over. His other collection too numerous to name, filled out the rest of the basement.

Betty passed away after 47 years of marriage. He married Janet 4 years later and they enjoyed traveling and family, they stayed together till his passing. His last 5 years have been a struggle for him with declining health. He had a funny wit for jokes and pranks. Even in hospice feeling bad, he found little ways to joke with nurses. He will be missed by all those that knew him.

A funeral service for Presley will be held Friday, November 15, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042.