William J Prescott
William (Bill) Prescott, age 95, long-time resident of Forsyth County passed away on Friday, December 14, 2018. He was a music educator and professional flautist and received his Ph.D degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson. His love of music inspired many students and fellow musicians and provided him with a rich and rewarding life. He was proud of the many students who followed in his footsteps as professional musicians and music educators. He taught at universities and conducted college and high school bands over his career. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Cumming, GA, a conductor emeritus of the Yaarab Shrine Band Atlanta, GA and conductor of the Sounds of Sawnee Concert Band Cumming, GA. He served in the Army in WWII. Doctor Bill is survived by his wife Helen, step-sons Patrick Brown of Florida and Kevin (Cindy) Brown of Georgia. A memorial Mass will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Cumming, GA on December 21, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions my be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate).
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Dr. Prescott was a wonderful man.
Our most sincere condolences to the Prescott family from the North Gwinnett High School Bands.
Loved this man! The definition of a gentleman scholar and teacher. He loved school bands and was an encourager to those who taught in the profession in addition to his many loyal students who loved him. I will personally miss him greatly.
Out of all the teachers I had at Russell High School, Mr. P was the one I miss the most. His moral compass, his compassion and his love for his students has stayed with me all the years. His ability to bring out the best in me and to encourage me to believe in who I was and the things I could accomplish have been with me for the last 50 years. Yes, that is how long I have been out of school.I was one of the lucky one, I was fortunate to have him as my band director from 8th grade through 12th. Mr. P, “On time is late, early is on time.” Thank you for the memories.
Yvonne Robinson class of 69.
My deepest condolences to all family and friends of Mr. Prescott. He was very much a friend and mentor to my brother Bill Fry from the time they met at RHS. He was a close and much loved man by all members of the William B. Fry & William E. Fry families. We were all thankful for getting to know him. R.I.P. MR P. Let the music play on in heaven!🎶
My condolences to the Prescott Family. I have very fond memories of my band days. Mr. Prescott had a way of bringing out the best in the students he taught. He instilled that hard work ( Practice makes Perfect) and to be your best ( Mediocrity is really only failure) . He also instilled in me to take Pride in your work. I was very thankful and blessed to have Mr. Prescott as my band teacher at RHS Class of 1972.
God Bless 🙏
Mr. ‘P’… you spent many a night at our house, with my parents, Ann and Frank Leach. Who could resist Varsity hot dogs?! Then Mike Brown and Pat Crews got it into their heads to introduce you to Helen. Who’d a thunk it but them? You lived life large and wide. I aspire to do the same with my own. I salute you, fine Sir. Thanks for the memories.
I’m so sorry to hear about Mr. Prescott! Please accept my condolences, Mrs. Prescott. May our loving Father give you comfort during such grief- stricken times. (Isaiah 41:10)
Dr. Bill was an anchor of the Yaarab Temple Shrine Band for many years.
His talents and devotion to all of us will remain with us forever……
Bill never gave up and always challenged us with something he knew we could handle. With rehearsals every Tuesday night and Thursdays as well before a Competition, he set a high standard and was determined that we would make it. With Bill at the podium, ……it happened.
He always appreciated good music, a good joke and a Polish Sausage once in a while.
We have truly lost a great friend.
John Falk
SEC/Treas…..Yaarab Temple Shrine Band
ON TIME IS LATE, EARLY IS ON TIME!!
Oh, man…this hits hard. I had no idea he had passed until I did a quick Google search on him tonight. Dr. Prescott was my flute teacher beginning in middle school and carried me all the way to my senior year of high school. He accepted no less than my full potential at every lesson. I made principal in district and all-state band because of him. I still have his book “The Prescott Method.” He was a true gem and made me the flutist I am today. Ended up majoring in music performance because of him. My condolences to the Prescott family, two years later. I’m sure Dr. Prescott is in Heaven right now lighting up the stage with his playing.