Birth date: Mar 8, 1935 Death date: Aug 11, 2020
Herbert Stirewalt Pressly died peacefully on August 11, surrounded by family, in Gainesville, Florida. He was 85. Born March 8, 1935 in Tampa, Herb lived his entire life in his beloved Florida, ever ready to “take a drive” to the Read Obituary
funeral service
I worked at the Department of Transportation in the late 60's and early 70's. I didn't work directly for Herb, but had a lot of contact with him over the years. He was very creative and energetic. He had a great sense of humor and an easy laugh. The things I remember most about him is that he cared about people, treated all of his staff with respect, and would really listen and consider what you were saying when you talked with him. He was a really good person. I will be praying for all of the family and his close friends. Fred Hudson
I never knew Mr. Pressly, but found his name and obituary while looking at some family names. His mother, Sadie Dembroge Pressly was the younger sister of my grandfather, Francis O. Dembroge (1901). My father, Robert L. Dembroge would have been Mr. Pressly's cousin.
So, I just wanted to express my condolences and wish I had met him.
Michael Dembroge
Pleasant Hill, CA
[email protected]
Dear Joyce and family
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I've missed you since you left Kilkenny West. You were wonderful friends and neighbors.
Marylee Peebles
Joyce, this is a sad time for me for several reasons. I never received any info on when ya'll moved but I understood the circumstances. I'm sorry for your loss but you can rejoice in his Legacy.
Herb and I knew each other early on beginning in 1972 when I started working for the FDOT in Bartow and I was interfacing with him on CADD issues while he was in Tallahassee. He was easy to talk to and having worked in the same District he knew the challenges of design and people issues. He never shrunk back from a challenge and was always supportive, innovative and a real thinker in general.
Herb shined most in his trail blazing CADD innovation within the FDOT, but he didn't get the recognition he deserved in general computer applications within the FDOT. But his zeal caught on first within the Consultant industry because Herb was promoting it within the Highway Engineering Industry whether the FDOT ever took it up or not. So CADD caught on first. Herb also challenged management in other areas but like a great ship it turns slowly. But he was also a pioneer of computerized Project Management for Quantities and Estimates leading to a computerized FDOT Work Program in spite of the old school mentality that held on for a long time. Without that innovation the FDOT couldn't handle the massive data and number of projects it does today.
I ended up moving to Tallahassee in 1983 and became re-acquainted with Herb but this time it had nothing to do with work and in 1987 I established the Tallahassee area Metal Detecting Club often hosted by Paul Sampson at Capital Coin and Diamond. Herb came to our first Metal Detecting Club Meeting and that's really when I got to enjoy the social side of Herb. We detected together on Seminole War sites to WW 2 bases, and of course parks and schools. Monetary value was of no concern to Herb. He just loved the historical significance and liked to see shiny silver. For Herb and me it wasn't all about metal detecting for expensive things. Herb was a generous person and we both loved woodcraft. He gave me his grandfathers wood lathe which I still have and appreciate even though its greatest value is as an artifact rather than a tool.
I finally convinced Herb to go to England detecting and at that point it was no turning back for him even though he was loosing a mobility in his legs. While it hurt at times it never stopped his wide smile when he dug a old coin or military button. I regret we were never able to go to England at the same time. He was not a boastful person but the closest he came was in bragging that his son was paying for his trip to England. When he returned I would call to see what he found. I know he reflected on his trips in that station wagon in the US treating his kids to an adventure, and now they were treating him on a vacation adventure of a lifetime.
Well now Herb is on another adventure! I'm sure he will fit right in on the management team!
Ken Weldon
My condolences to all of Herb’s family.
Classmate HHS Class of 1953
U of FL class of 1958
John R. “Dolph” Cone III
We were good friends of Herb and Joyce and we lost track of them when our Christmas Card and Joyce's Birthday card was returned as undeliverable. We had no idea where they had moved. Herb and Dave both worked for the FDOT and we had a common love for Scottie Dogs. Herb and Joyce kept our beloved "Fergie" several times when we went on vacation. We never had to worry about our Scottie when they were in the loving hands of Herb and Joyce. So sad to see Herb's obituary in the paper this morning. Our heart aches and our sympathy is extended to Joyce and their children and grandchildren. We will try to attend the graveside service at Culley's MeadowWood on Sunday.
Please accept our sincerest sympathy and condolences -
Northside Hospital Pain Treatment Center Staff -
Colleagues of Juliann
Dear Joyce and Children,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. You were amazing neighbors, still remembered fondly all of these years later. Our prayers are with you.
Jim and Nancy Miller
So sorry to see Herb gone. He was a great detecting buddy to everyone in the Tally area to the Sierra UK hunting group. We will miss you. Paul
