ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times

DATE: Monday, January 20, 1997               TAG: 9701200074
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: C-2  EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: MEMPHIS, TENN.
                                             TYPE: NEWS OBIT 

ELVIS' UNCLE, VESTER PRESLEY, DEAD AT 82

Vester Lee Presley, who once gave his nephew Elvis Presley guitar lessons and was a favorite of the late singer's fans, died Friday of heart failure at Baptist Memorial Hospital East. He was 82.

For years, Vester Presley guarded the main gate at Graceland, the home of the rock 'n' roll singer and now a popular tourist attraction.

He co-wrote two books, ``A Presley Speaks'' and ``The Presley Family Cookbook,'' and many days chatted with fans and autographed the books at the gift shop complex across the street from Graceland.

Vester Presley was the brother of Elvis' father and was married to the younger sister of Elvis' mother.

- Associated Press

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