Benjamin Howard Preston, 93, of Franklin County, went to be with the Lord on February 9, 2021. We celebrate a wonderful life well lived. He was born November 5, 1927, to the late Albert Booker Preston, Sr. and Eula Thornton Preston. He was raised on a large farm in Glade Hill.
Ben retired from General Electric after 30 years of service. He enjoyed working on all things mechanical. He could fix anything, and if he needed a part he would just make it himself. He even built a go-cart for his children from the Popular Mechanics magazine. Ben restored a Farmall Cub tractor and enjoyed driving it weekly. He was never without a camera to document all of our family activities. As a result, we have thousands of photos and videos that we will cherish forever. He was an avid beekeeper for many years and shared honey with family and friends. He was a very capable wood worker and completed many projects.
Ben cherished his wife Audrey of 34 years and celebrated that love by giving her a card each month on their anniversary date. They were longtime members of Glade Hill Baptist Church.
Ben was predeceased by his five brothers and his daughter Peggy Evans in 2005.
Left to honor his memory are his wife Audrey Preston, son Mike Preston and wife Melissa, son David Preston and wife Kimberly, stepson Allen Harless and wife Marsha, stepson Michael Harless and wife Debbie, and stepdaughter Sharon King and husband Scott, grandchildren Ashley Crisp, Stacy Stanley, Victoria Preston and Jake Preston,step grandchildren Crystal Hannah, Staci Boone, Ashley Hall and Chris Wilson, along with eleven great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support during this difficult time. A private funeral service will be held at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem on Friday, February 12, 2021. Interment will be held in Sherwood Memorial Park.
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