Lee County Sheriff's Department
Mississippi

In Loving Memory of Sheriff Harold Ray Presley
October 5, 1948 - July 6, 2001
(Killed in the line-of-duty)

Written by Janet Burroughs
Administrative Assistant

Sheriff Harold Ray Presley was born on October 5, 1948.   He was a resident of the Mooreville Community.  He began working for the Lee County Sheriff's Department on September 14, 1987.  He was elected Sheriff on November 17, 1993, and remained Sheriff until his death on the morning of July 6, 2001, while responding to a kidnapping situation.

He has three children; Jada Hardin, Brad Presley, and Patrick Presley all of the Mooreville area. He also has four grandchildren.

Sheriff Presley received many achievements and awards in his law enforcement history. He was voted the "Buford Pusser Law Enforcement Officer of the Year" in 1995. Nominated by his fellow Lee Countians, he received the Lee County Courier's "Best Law Officer of the Year" eight years in a row.  He implemented the DARE program, the Lee County Work Center Program, and the Lee County Vice Narcotics Task Force.  He was a Vietnam veteran who served with the best.

He received several prestigious awards, badges, and honors from several different countries around the world including Germany, Australia, Japan, and others. Sheriff Presley was truly a living legend to everyone who came in contact with him.

It is very hard to put into words how much Harold Ray meant to this Department and to me. Being his assistant was the most fulfilling job I have ever had. He was not only my boss, but my best friend.

Webauthor's note: NRLO and it's Members convey condolences to the family of long-time, NRLO Member Sheriff Harold Ray Presley. The Lee County Sheriff's Reserve have been 100% Members since 1996.

NATIONAL RESERVE LAW OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 6505     SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78209
(210) 805-8917     FAX: (210) 804-2463