Daniel "Deanie" Herbert Presnell Sr.

Daniel Herbert Presnell, affectionately known to many as "Deanie," passed away on April 25, 2025, in Greenville, South Carolina. He was 74. His wife and son held his hands as he transitioned, with his sister-in-law Carol offering a prayer.

Born in Greenville to Ruth and Danny Presnell, Deanie grew up on the Farr family homeplace, surrounded by grandparents and cousins. As a child, he developed a lifelong love of horses, often riding across the family's land. He cherished time with his grandfather, Pop Farr, who taught him about life on the farm and instilled in him a deep appreciation for the outdoors that would become a defining characteristic throughout his life.

After graduating from Berea High School in 1968, Deanie attended Clemson University. His educational journey was cut short when his father suffered a massive heart attack that left him unable to work. Demonstrating the family dedication that would become a hallmark of his character, Deanie returned home to help support his family. Following in the footsteps of his parents, he began working for Southern Bell, where he would remain for nearly 40 years until his retirement in 2007.

Deanie met his wife Debby at Berea High School, with a friendly trip to the prom becoming their first real date. Their relationship blossomed, leading to their marriage on January 27, 1973. Their son, Daniel Herbert Presnell Jr., was born four years later in 1977.

Though not always the easiest character to deal with at times, Deanie loved deeply. He never met a stranger, making friends easily wherever he went. He could often be found sitting on a bench, striking up conversations with passersby, genuine curiosity radiating from him. For those he loved, he cared profoundly, and he held nothing higher than sharing in their company.

Deanie pursued his passions with intensity. He bought, sold, raised, and rode horses, going on trail rides across the Carolinas. An avid duck hunter, he carved and painted his own decoys, creating a collection from across North America. Following his retirement, he dedicated significant time to painting alongside his brother Tom, with the two exhibiting and selling their works.

He built a small cabin painting studio in the backyard where he loved to sit on the porch and play records, especially Jimi Hendrix's "Red House," which boomed from two large speakers and echoed through the neighboring fields. As a deep thinker with a unique perspective on life, he often distilled complex experiences into profound lessons, reflecting the depth of his inner world.

Deanie proved remarkably resilient throughout his life, surviving several brushes with death, including being kicked in the head by a horse, cardiac arrest, and a pulmonary embolism. Following his cardiac arrest, he spent months in rehabilitation, relearning fundamental skills like telling time, counting money, and even painting. Despite these challenges, he rarely complained, taking life's obstacles in stride and demonstrating an extraordinary will to live.

His love of travel took him to places that sparked his artistic sensibilities. In Paris, he rode the train and beat-up old bikes to visit Monet's house, experiencing the work of his favorite painter firsthand. He was spellbound by the treasures of the Louvre, and embraced each museum and street corner with childlike wonder. In San Francisco, they sought out Janis Joplin's house off Haight Street and rode bikes across the Golden Gate Bridge, Deanie always documenting these adventures in his sketchbook.

Family gatherings were central to Deanie's life. For years, he enjoyed hosting an annual July 4th barbecue where friends and family would gather. As a grandfather to Abner, he beamed with pride, eagerly showing photos to anyone he encountered and celebrating his grandson's sports accomplishments and good character.

He was an early supporter of the Greenville Swamp Rabbit Trail and took delight in witnessing its growth. His dedication to family extended beyond his immediate circle—as older family members grew sick and frail, Deanie was always eager to help ensure they had what they needed.

Deanie is survived by his wife, Debby Presnell; son, Daniel Presnell; daughter-in-law, Jenni Pace; and grandson, Abner Presnell. He was predeceased by his father, Danny Presnell; mother, Ruth Evelyn Presnell; and brother, Tom Presnell.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Greenway Farms, 10049 Old White Horse Road, Greenville, SC. In place of flowers, memorials may be made in Deanie's name to the Greater Greenville Parks Foundation Swamp Rabbit Trail.