Retired Staff Sgt Harry Prester was born December 4, 1942, in Washington, DC. He was the son of the late Ms. Pearl Priester. On October 4th, 2024, God called him to his Heavenly home.
Harry Priester was affectionately known as Priester, and Preek, but most of all, Papa, and Uncle Harry. He joined Samaritan Missionary Baptist church, Varnville, South Carolina at an early age! He loved his church!
In 1967, he was joined in Holy Matrimony to the former Carrie Mole, to this union three children were born. One child preceded him in death.
He was a graduated of the former North District Training School, Class of 1963. From there, Harry Priester joined the military and served as one of the best soldiers. Upon completion of his military career, he was awarded the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Medal. Within this career, his travels included Vietnam, and Germany. After his military career he decided to become a mail carrier for the Unites States Postal Service. He gained a true friend in Mr. Bruce McCartney, AKA "Midnight". They called each other “Midnight.” This began from one mailroom conversation! Many of the workers thought this was odd; but to this day, that brotherhood remained.
Harry loved to race his red duster; and his wife, Carrie, would be in there with him or behind the wheel! Harry Priester was loved by his in-laws to the fullest. He knew of his wrongdoings but made sure he never went to jail!
Harry Priester was very known in the Hinesville Community. Most of them called him "Daddy Priester" because he loved them as well as he loved his own children. Throughout his career he managed to coach, referee, provide transportation to and from the Jacksonville Jaguars games and worked for the Salvation Army. He was very dedicated to the Basketball and football teams of Bradwell Institute.
In the Varnville Community, Harry Priester was well respected. He continued to call and referee games. Because of his reputation, he was known to cruise around town to Gates, Exxon, and McDonald's for his coffee, never having to pay because of his reputation. And we can't forget the Camp Branch Community that loved him dearly.
He was predeceased by; One sister, Gerorgeann (Lawrence) Grant; Three brothers: Govan, Willie Pearl, and Jacob Priester; Two brothers-in-law: Robert Eady and Frankie Capers; Three sisters-in-law: Mary Jane, Pearl and Deloris Mole; Two grandchildren: Tyree and Trenaye; and a loving father and mother in law, Junior (Cora) Mole.
He leaves to cherish fond memories: His wife, Carrie Priester; A son, Michael Wayne (Mandy) Priester; A daughter, Raynette "Shonda" (Raynard) Nichols; Six grands: Sgt. Ledarien (Zhareah) Priester, S'Paran "Popo" (Sabresha), Laila, and Chozen Priester. D'Andre (Anna), and Nivea Williams; four great grands, Londyn, Zoei, Aubrey, and LeDarien Jr. He also leaves behind four sisters-in-law: Carolyn "Bunny" Eady, Carrie Bell Priester, Evelyn, and Cynthia Mole; Five brothers-in-law: Harold, Harry "Stick", Leonard, Adolph, and Lynn Mole. A host of cousins, nieces, and friends.
Harry Priester left a tremendous mark on this earth as THE GREATEST TO EVER DO IT! HE LIVED LIFE TO THE FULLEST!!
