Pressly, Thomas David –age 81 of Knoxville, beloved husband, father, and grandfather died peacefully Saturday night. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dr. Velma Watson Pressly, his four children, Elaine and husband David Bryant, David S. and wife Diane Pressly, Thomas W. Pressly and Jean Pressly, his brother Jerry S. Pressly and wife Rosemary Kitts Pressly, nine grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A lifelong resident of South Knoxville, David remained active in Island Home community affairs through recent years. As a younger man, David enjoyed playing chess, roller skating, water skiing, aviation, boating, and camping in state and national parks with his family. Tom (yes, he answered to either David or Tom) was employed over 40 years in Oak Ridge, working in Y12, K25 and at the HFIR. As a machinist, nuclear reactor operator, and on home projects from plumbing to electrical and auto mechanics, David was masterful at designing solutions to problems. He welcomed new challenges and his intellect typically prevailed, to the benefit of those who sought his assistance. He was greatly loved and will be sorely missed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 37920 or the charity of your choice. Private graveside services will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery. The Pressly family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:30pm, followed by a memorial service at 2:30pm at Lake Forest Presbyterian Church on Thursday, March 11, 2010. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com.
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