James Stone Presnell, of Cleveland, Georgia, died on November 13, 2011. James was born in Knox County, Tennessee on August 4, 1936 to Evelyn Smith Presnell and James Boyd Presnell. He graduated in 1954 from North Augusta High School in North Augusta, South Carolina. He was a graduate of Georgia Southern and began a teaching career in 1963 in Commerce, Georgia. In the fall of 1965, James became the head coach of the East Hall High School football team in Gainesville. He became a member of the Gainesville High School coaching staff in 1971 where he taught health, Biology, physical education, and coached junior Varsity football, high school wrestling and high school baseball. He retired after 30 years of teaching in 1993.
For the past 14 years, James was a member of Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church in Cleveland where he taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. He was previously a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Gainesville and continued to enjoy fun and fellowship with the F.L.O.W. group.
James is survived by his wife of 29 years, Nanette Cargile Presnell, of Cleveland, his son and daughter in law, David and Dana Presnell, of Gainesville, his son, Paxton Presnell, of Phoenix, Arizona, daughter and son in law, Susan (Howell) & Dave Henley of Rome, GA, granddaughters Kelsey Maher, Caitlin and Courtney Presnell, Maura Henley, brother and sister in law, Tandy and Gail Presnell of Waycross, sister and brother in law, Nancy and Bruce West, of Springfield, SC, sister in law and brother in law, Celeste and O'Neil Adams of Tignall, GA, 9 nieces, 6 nephews, and a number of great nieces and great nephews.
James is remembered for his quick wit, his sense of humor, his love for his family, friends and his church and his love of all sports.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Little and Davenport Funeral Home. The funeral will be on Wednesday at 11 am in the funeral home chapel with a graveside service at 1pm at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church in White County. The Rev. Dennis Short will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church in Cleveland, GA or a charity of your choice.
Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at littledavenport.com
Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Highway, S.W., Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.
