Benjamin Donald Preston

Benjamin “Donald” Preston, 79, of Glade Hill, VA went home to be with his heavenly father June 16, 2017. Donald and his bride, Ruth Pauline McBride Preston, were happily married on December 2, 1960 and were together for 56 years. Donald graduated from Franklin County High School in 1956. After graduation he worked on his grandfather’s farm 1956 – 1959. In 1959 he was employed for Angle Hardware until 1960. 1960 till 1961 he was employed by Lynch Farm Equipment Company. While working with Lynch Farm he was called to serve his country. Donald served as a Sergeant, Sharp Shooter (Carbine), in the United States Army from 1961 thru 1963. He completed his basic training in Fort Jackson, SC. He then was stationed in Redstone Arsenal Alabama. Ruth joined him for a brief amount of time and they lived in Huntsville, AL. He then transferred to San Francisco, CA before traveling to Hawaii and then to Korea. Donald served most of his time in Korea. Upon returning home from Korea he joined his wife and became employed with JP Stevens in Rocky Mount, VA where he stayed for 30 years before retiring. While working in the factory he was also co-owner of Goldmine Farm. Farming was the true occupation that he loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adrian Harvey Preston and Hazel Garnett Foster Preston. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Preston; daughter, Sarah K. Waid-Harris, son-in-law, Steven Harris; and a loved and very special grandson, Benjamin H. Waid. Donald’s family includes his brothers, Johnny Preston, wife Gail Preston, and Frank Preston; sisters, Angie Vaughn and Mary Frances Patterson. Donald has numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 21, 2017, 2:00 PM. The memorial service will be 2:30 PM in the family church of Glade Hill Baptist, Glade Hill, VA. In lieu of flowers and food please donate to Glade Hill Baptist Church. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.