Texas Baptist leader Dewey Presley dies

DALLAS—William Dewey Presley, one of the most influential leaders of his generation in Baptist life, died Nov. 10 at the age of 93.

Presley helped numerous Baptist and Christian causes, including those of the Baptist Foundation of Texas, Baylor Health Care System, Baylor University, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Brother Bill’s Helping Hand Ministry in Dallas and the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

Among his many accomplishments, Presley was instrumental in saving Dallas Baptist University from financial trouble in the 1980s when the school didn’t have the funds to pay its faculty and staff. Presley helped connect the school with donors to keep it running.

Presley was key in the effort that moved the BGCT offices from downtown Dallas to its current location just east of downtown. In a testament to the banking leader’s financial acumen, Presley encouraged the convention to sell its old office space and used the money to build its current facilities on land that was owned by Baylor Health Care System. The current building was constructed debt free without the use of any mission money.

BGCT Executive Director Emeritus Bill Pinson praised Presley’s banking knowledge, memory, compassion and commitment to Christ. As a leading banker, Pinson believes Presley may have had as much of an impact on Dallas as any Baptist of his generation.

“Mr. Presley was without a doubt one of the most influential laypersons in Baptist life, but his impact for good extended far beyond the Baptist world,” Pinson said. “A creative, highly successful business person, a leader in civic and charitable causes, a devout leader in his church, a loving husband and father—the width and breadth of his involvement for good is breathtaking. Above all, he was a devout follower of Jesus Christ who wanted more than anything to be a faithful servant of his Lord in all areas of life.” 

Presley, who received the Texas Baptist Elder Statesman Award, was a member of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas where he taught the men’s Sunday School class for 50 years as well as holding other leadership roles such as chairman of the deacons.

Titles and accolades tell only part of Presley’s story, however, Pinson said. There are an untold number of moments where Presley simply was the presence of Christ where it was often needed most.

“On a personal note, Mr. Presley was my friend, mentor, and example. He chaired the search committee that recommended me in 1982 as executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and then, as he had done with my predecessor James Landes, continued serving in the efforts of the convention with his extraordinary wisdom, integrity, and understanding of the world in which we live and serve. Unquestionably, the Lord Jesus will welcome him to heaven:  ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”

Memorial gifts may be sent to: Baylor Health Care System Foundation c/o Gil D. Taylor IV Memorial 3600 Gaston Ave., Ste. 100 Dallas, 75246; Brother Bill's Helping Hand P.O. Box 565846 Dallas, 75356; Baylor University School of Social Work, One Bear Pl. #97320 Waco, 76798.