Press was born in Richland Springs and graduated from W.H. Gibbons High School in 1941. His class had 46 members, the largest to ever graduate. He played high school football for the Coyotes and as a senior was the starting guard and the second string running back.

In 1946, Press married Bobbie House, a lifelong resident of San Saba County. She attended schools in San Saba and Richland Springs. As a young wife and mother of two daughters, she was very active in the Richland Springs PTA and various class functions. Both daughters are graduates of RSHS.

Today, both Press & Bobbie remain faithful supporters, are members of the booster club, and follow all the athletic teams without question. Press is known as the self-proclaimed #1 Coyote Fan.