Charles Lee Presnell, Jr.

Retired Assistant Fire Chief Charles Lee Presnell, Jr., age 69, of Marion, North Carolina, departed to be with the Lord peacefully on Monday, January 04, 2021 at his residence with his loved ones at his side.  The son of the late Charles and Thelma Rector Presnell, he was born in Marion, North Carolina on April 22, 1951. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his adoptive son, Levi Maltba. 

Always wanting to help others, Charles enjoyed serving his community in many different ways.  Following over 35 years of service, he proudly retired as Assistant Fire Chief with the Marion Fire Department.  A Wildland Firefighter, Charles was a leading pioneer, face and voice in the fire service in McDowell County.

An avid bear hunter and outdoorsman he loved spending time in the woods with family and friends. He was a three-time cancer survivor; and anytime you saw him, you were guaranteed a smile or hug.  A beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Charles was known as being an adoptive father to many he met along his journey.  He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Glenwood. 

Left to cherish his memories, are his loving wife of 39 years, Sherie Buchanan Presnell; three sons, Corey Presnell (Lacey), Garrett Presnell (Kelsey) and Doug Cooksey (Lirije Mekuloviq); one grandchild, Carly Presnell; four special aunts, Frances McMahan (Mike), Lorene Craddock (Bill), Pat Vess (Claude) and Linda Presnell; father and mother-in-law, Stuart and Eileen Buchanan; and last but not least, his special canine companions, Chloe and Mila.

A celebration of Mr. Presnell’s life will be held on Thursday, January 07, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church with Pastor Jimmy Upton officiating.  Interment will follow at Presnell Family Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the church. 

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Presnell’s memory are asked to consider, Marion Firefighter Association, P.O. Drawer 700, Marion, North Carolina 28752 and/or Sugar Hill Montford Cove Fire Department, 8883 Sugar Hill Road, Marion, North Carolina 28752.