Russell Kevin Presley

On Wednesday, December 2, 2020, Russell Kevin Presley, age 49, of Somerset, Kentucky passed from this life and entered Heaven where he is excited to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior and those faithful friends and family who have gone on before him. On November, 21, 1971, Russ was born in Somerset as the first child to his loving parents, Michael R. Presley and Rita Foster Presley. He was received into this world as a precious gift - which is the same way he’ll be remembered by those he left behind. Russ grew up in Somerset and had many hobbies from an early age through high school. He was an avid fan of music of all kinds, being in the Boy Scouts, attending church youth group and its many events, and playing sports with his friends. Soccer and golf were definitely his two favorites, but golfing continued on throughout his adult life to the level of winning a number of competitive tournaments. Russ graduated from Somerset High School, then went on to spend a year at Western Kentucky University before ultimately graduating from the University of Kentucky with a business degree. He put this degree to work when he eventually returned to Somerset and went into business with his father as co-owners of a park and recreational equipment dealership. During these years of working together along with a few others, including his wife, Jennifer, and brother, Jeff, for a period of time, their company received multiple industry awards and acknowledgements for their efforts. Russ was last serving as a teacher in the South Laurel School System where he enjoyed instructing and encouraging his students. Although he enjoyed his career work, he most loved his time spent in a variety of coaching roles for his three beloved daughter’s basketball teams. Whether in middle school, high school, or AAU, Russ was a devoted father, “cheerleader” and coach for Emma, Rachel and Kate. If they had a game or practice, regardless of the distance or surrounding circumstances, he was present and fully engaged. He was committed and passionate about seeing his girls, their teammates, and their teams be the absolute best they could be. There was little else that gave Russ as much joy and pride as seeing his three daughters reach their fullest potential - regardless of whether it was on or off the court. The only thing that rivaled his love for coaching his girls was his love for serving as a Children’s Ministry Leader with his devoted wife, Jennifer, at their local church. Their love for the Lord and their passion to see children embrace this life of faith as well, brought them much joy in ministering together. Whether it was preparing and teaching creative lessons, or coming up with fun games and activities, modeling the life of a faith-filled family was always a delight for Russ - especially doing so alongside his wife. Although we may no longer physically see Russ, we know he has left a mark on the people he encountered. He would want to be remembered with laughter rather than sadness. He would most definitely want friends and family to be comforted in knowing he is free from any pain or worry and is home with his Heavenly Father, as well as his Earthly Father, Mike. Russ’ gregarious personality, fun-loving spirit, and devotion to God and his family will be dearly missed. He will be deeply loved forever and will never be forgotten. Russ was preceded in death by his kind-hearted father, Mike and both his paternal and maternal Grandparents (John G. Presley and Ruth Absher Presley; and Vernie M. Foster and Mildred Russell Foster). He is survived by his affectionately loving mother, Rita; and his dearly loved younger brother, Jeffrey N. Presley (wife Emily Cunningham Presley, daughter Ella G. Presley, and son Jackson F. Presley). He is also survived by his deeply cherished wife of 19 years, Jennifer Adams Presley; and his adored daughters, Emma Delaine Frost, Rachel Katherine Presley, and Kate Nicole Presley. He is also survived by many special aunts, uncles, cousins and beloved friends. There will be an intimate, invitation only, celebration of life service at Victory Christian Fellowship on Tuesday, December 8 due to Covid-19 restrictions. However, a larger celebration service will be held and announced publicly at a later, more opportune time. In lieu of flowers, a college expenses fund has been created to assist with education costs for the three daughters. If you would like to donate to this fund, you can do so at GoFundMe.com “College Expenses for Emma, Rachel & Kate Presley” Pulaski Funeral Home is honored to be assiting the family at this time.