BLACK MOUNTAIN - Ernest “Ernie” Lee Pressley, aged 77, passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Born on August 6, 1948, in Haywood County, Ernie was the beloved son of the late Jesse E. and Hazel Davis Pressley. He spent most of his life in Buncombe County.

Ernie proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Throughout his life, he worked at Biltmore Dairy and Drexel Heritage Furniture Company, later serving as a custodian at A.C. Reynolds Middle School and the Billy Graham Training Center. He had a passion for camping, NASCAR, and enjoying the great outdoors.

He is preceded in death by his cherished wife of 51 years, Judy Darlene Pressley, and his brother, C. L. Pressley.

Ernie is survived by his daughter, Tonya Michelle Blackman (Jimmy); his son, Michael Riley (Sydney); his sister, Delsie Jones; and his brother, David Pressley, along with David's wife, Delores. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Zachary Allen (Sarina), Kayla Heath (Timothy), and Dustin Hoglen; and his great-grandchildren, Oakley Mae Allen, Alaina Heath, Waylon Heath and a grandson on the way, Jesse Allen.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, in the Chapel of West Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Jimmy Page, with interment following at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to serve the Pressley family. Condolences may be expressed under his obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.