Preston Earl Hulsey, 72, passed away on December 25, 2025, in Magnolia, Texas. Born on July 10, 1953, in Austin, Texas, Preston lived a life defined by devotion—to his family, his country, his work, and the simple joys that brought him peace.
From a young age, Preston charted his own course. He left high school to serve in the United States Air Force during a pivotal time in American history. From 1971 to 1979, he served with honor and commitment. After completing his service, he returned home determined to build a better life for himself and those he loved. He earned his GED and pursued higher education through night classes while working full-time during the day—ultimately becoming the first college graduate in the Hulsey family. This milestone was not just a personal achievement but a legacy of perseverance and determination that inspired those around him.
Preston dedicated over two decades of his life as a machinist for the same company—a testament to his loyalty and strong work ethic. His colleagues became lifelong friends; among them were Robert and Serge, who shared many years of camaraderie with him on and off the job.
He was deeply loyal to those he held dear. Preston was a loving father to Michelle L. Pate and Mellissa A. Creppel. He welcomed their husbands—John A. Pate Sr. and Gilbert L. Creppel—not only as sons-in-law but as trusted companions and partners in raising the next generation. His pride in his grandchildren—John A. Pate Jr., Joseph A. Pate, Riley X. Creppel, and Mina B. Creppel—was boundless. He taught his grandsons how to hunt with respect for nature and instilled in them the values of integrity and kindness.
Preston’s love for the outdoors was more than a pastime—it was spiritual. “The woods were his church,” he often said, finding solace and connection with God amid trees and wildlife rather than within walls or pews. Whether hunting or fishing, he found peace in nature’s rhythms and beauty.
He had an unmistakable sense of humor—often unintentional—that brought laughter to those around him. From fruitless attempts at firefighting escapades to modeling Easter chaps with flair, Preston’s shenanigans became cherished stories retold at family gatherings with fondness and laughter.
He loved BBQs that brought everyone together under open skies; he loved reading quietly when the world grew too loud; he loved animals fiercely—especially his dogs and horse—and he loved teaching life lessons through action more than words.
Preston never forgot where he came from or who helped shape him along the way. He honored the memory of his parents Weldon E. Hulsey and Delores F. Arnold; his sister Cindy Hulsey; and an infant brother who preceded him in death.
He also treasured friendships beyond family ties—his neighbor Richard was a constant presence over the years, as were hunting buddies like Jerod Moon who shared countless early mornings tracking game under Texas skies.
Among Preston’s most enduring legacies is how he raised his daughters—with strength tempered by tenderness—and how he mentored John Sr. and Gilbert, not just as a father-in-law but as a guide through life’s challenges.
He taught Michelle and Mellissa how to drive far too young on their grandfather’s cattle ranch—a rite of passage filled with dust trails and laughter—and once raced trains in his beloved 1967 Mustang with them bouncing around unbuckled in the backseat: moments reckless by today’s standards but unforgettable in their joy.
Preston Earl Hulsey lived simply but fully—with grit, grace, humor, faith found beneath canopies of trees rather than stained glass windows—and above all else: love.
May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him and carry forward through generations shaped by his example of quiet strength and unwavering devotion. He was their hero and Superman.
From a young age, Preston charted his own course. He left high school to serve in the United States Air Force during a pivotal time in American history. From 1971 to 1979, he served with honor and commitment. After completing his service, he returned home determined to build a better life for himself and those he loved. He earned his GED and pursued higher education through night classes while working full-time during the day—ultimately becoming the first college graduate in the Hulsey family. This milestone was not just a personal achievement but a legacy of perseverance and determination that inspired those around him.
Preston dedicated over two decades of his life as a machinist for the same company—a testament to his loyalty and strong work ethic. His colleagues became lifelong friends; among them were Robert and Serge, who shared many years of camaraderie with him on and off the job.
He was deeply loyal to those he held dear. Preston was a loving father to Michelle L. Pate and Mellissa A. Creppel. He welcomed their husbands—John A. Pate Sr. and Gilbert L. Creppel—not only as sons-in-law but as trusted companions and partners in raising the next generation. His pride in his grandchildren—John A. Pate Jr., Joseph A. Pate, Riley X. Creppel, and Mina B. Creppel—was boundless. He taught his grandsons how to hunt with respect for nature and instilled in them the values of integrity and kindness.
Preston’s love for the outdoors was more than a pastime—it was spiritual. “The woods were his church,” he often said, finding solace and connection with God amid trees and wildlife rather than within walls or pews. Whether hunting or fishing, he found peace in nature’s rhythms and beauty.
He had an unmistakable sense of humor—often unintentional—that brought laughter to those around him. From fruitless attempts at firefighting escapades to modeling Easter chaps with flair, Preston’s shenanigans became cherished stories retold at family gatherings with fondness and laughter.
He loved BBQs that brought everyone together under open skies; he loved reading quietly when the world grew too loud; he loved animals fiercely—especially his dogs and horse—and he loved teaching life lessons through action more than words.
Preston never forgot where he came from or who helped shape him along the way. He honored the memory of his parents Weldon E. Hulsey and Delores F. Arnold; his sister Cindy Hulsey; and an infant brother who preceded him in death.
He also treasured friendships beyond family ties—his neighbor Richard was a constant presence over the years, as were hunting buddies like Jerod Moon who shared countless early mornings tracking game under Texas skies.
Among Preston’s most enduring legacies is how he raised his daughters—with strength tempered by tenderness—and how he mentored John Sr. and Gilbert, not just as a father-in-law but as a guide through life’s challenges.
He taught Michelle and Mellissa how to drive far too young on their grandfather’s cattle ranch—a rite of passage filled with dust trails and laughter—and once raced trains in his beloved 1967 Mustang with them bouncing around unbuckled in the backseat: moments reckless by today’s standards but unforgettable in their joy.
Preston Earl Hulsey lived simply but fully—with grit, grace, humor, faith found beneath canopies of trees rather than stained glass windows—and above all else: love.
May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him and carry forward through generations shaped by his example of quiet strength and unwavering devotion. He was their hero and Superman.
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