Gary Eugene Pressley Sr.

Gary "Frog" Pressley passed away on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 surrounded by his loving family after raising hell for over seven decades. He passed away days after his and his wife Carol's 57th anniversary, and a week before his 77th birthday. Frog was one of seven children born deep in the hills of Heiskell, Tennessee to parents Dewey and Mary Bane Pressley. He was often found drag racing and outrunning the local sheriff. Tennessee is also where he met the love of his life, Carol. She was his sidekick and best friend. They were together for 5 years before they wed on July 10, 1965. They raised two children, Gary Jr and Melinda, as well as several non-biological children.
Frog owned and operated JBO Body Shop in Gretna with his two kids, Little Gary and Melinda, for over 30 years. During that time, he and his son designed many show trucks together which won numerous awards. He loved traveling to all the car shows to show off their trucks. Aside from his love for cars, he was also very fond of traveling, and Christmas. He put Clark Griswold to shame when it came to Christmas decorations. He was as creative as they came.

He can best be remembered not only for his creations, but also his signature phrase "ah shit," love of cuckoo clocks, westerns, the New Orleans Saints, tacky decorations, and watching Nascar with his granddaughter Jessica. He could always be found wearing his favorite flannel, Saints shirt, sweatpants, tube socks, and white New Balance shoes (always untied).

You were sure to have a good time in his presence. His bright, green-eyed smile and laugh were contagious. There was nothing he loved more than having family and friends gather at his home in New Orleans. His face would always light up seeing everyone laughing, "stirring the shit pot," and the sweet sound of a crawfish boil starting up.

His home was always open to anyone that wanted to stop by. So much so, that many of the neighborhood kids pretty much grew up there. There wasn't a weekend you would stop by where there was not some kind of gathering going on. He loved people and people loved him. Everyone was like family in the Pressley household.

Frog will be deeply missed by so many. He was a good husband, father/grandfather/great- grandfather/uncle, and friend. He was generous, kind, and fun loving. There wasn't a thing he wouldn't do for anyone and never expected anything in return.

He is survived by his wife Carol, children Gary and Melinda, grandchildren Heather (husband Sam Finn), Jessica, Brylie, London, Lainee, Gracee, and Carley, great-grandchildren Willa and Ruby, a sassy 91-year-old sister Faye, several nieces and nephews, many dearly loved in-laws, a very large extended family, and the kids of Avondale.
Mothe Funeral Homes handled arrangements.