Greensboro Orthopedic Surgeon Thomas Presson Dies, Age 82

Thomas Lemuel Presson, M.D. of Greensboro, North Carolina, passed away on October 3, 2022, at the age of 82.

Dr. Presson was a member of and practiced at the Greensboro Orthopedic Clinic for more than 30 years serving patients throughout the triad region of Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point, North Carolina.

Dr. Presson earned his medical degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he was selected to be a Morehead Scholar—the first national merit scholarship program established at a public university.

The Morehead scholar’s program was designed to recognize young student leaders who have the demonstrated ability to influence, energize, and inspire others to make an impact. The selection committee choose young students who have demonstrated courage, humility, integrity, and perseverance as well as an authentic love of learning and of sharing that newfound knowledge and inspiration with others.

Throughout his 30+ year career, Dr. Presson demonstrated amply the qualities that, at an early age, and impressed the Morehead Scholar selection committee.

Dr. Presson was also an active member of the Southern Orthopaedic Association, the Atlantic Bone Club, and the North Carolina Orthopaedic Association. He served a term as president for the North Carolina Orthopaedic Association.

Presson was born on May 6, 1940, in Monroe, North Carolina, to Rosa Nell Cox Presson and Lawrence Stewart Presson. He graduated from Walter Bickett High School in Monroe and then earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he also attended medical school.

After medical school, he served as a major at the United States Army and was based in Frankfurt, Germany, between 1967 and 1970.

His family and others who knew him best said that Dr. Presson lived and loved big and his grandkids affectionately called him “Big T”.

“He was devoted and loyal to his family, friends, and career, most particularly his wife of 60 years, Ramona. His earnest curiosity about people, places, and perspectives rendered him a wonderful conversationalist, travel companion, and sounding board, as well as an avid, lifelong learner,” they wrote.

During his life, he was a member of the Rotary Club of Greensboro and the West Market Street United Methodist Church, where he enjoyed participating in the koinonia Sunday school class.

After his retirement, he and his wife enjoyed spending time with family and friends in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

Presson was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Stewart Ellen Presson. He is survived by his wife; his son Dr. Thomas Lemuel Presson, Jr. and his wife Abby; his son William Craig Presson and his grandchildren Jack, Chandler, Matthew, Will and Mac. He also leaves behind his brother Jack Bennett Presson, his wife Connie and many other relatives and friends.