Forest R. Preston

Forest R. Preston December 1, 1942 - August 7, 2008 Columbus, GA — Forest R. Preston, 65, of Columbus, GA died at his residence Thursday, August 7, 2008. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 11, 2008 in Parkhill Cemetery with Dr. Don Wilhite officiating according to Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Macon Road.  Honorary pallbearers will be Adam Preston, Jackie Wilson, Nigel Carty, Joe Sanderfur, Fred Hall, Andy McGovern, and Don Sowell.  The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, August 10, 2008 at the funeral home. Mr. Preston was born December 1, 1942 in Tampa, FL son of Mabel Breakey Preston and the late Forest Otto Preston.  He owned and operated Preston Oil Company and the Petrol Pantry for over 34 years. Mr. Preston attended Georgia Tech where he was a member of the SAE fraternity.  He will be remembered as an entrepreneur, a man who was deeply devoted to his family and loyal to his friends. Survivors include his five children, Jessica (Jackie) Wilson, Kim (Nigel) Carty, Clay Preston, Ashley (Tanda Paine) Preston, and  Barron Preston; his mother, Mabel Preston; one brother, Tim (Barbara) Preston; seven grandchildren, Ryan, Annah, Ryder, Spencer, Luke, John and Kate; mothers of his children, Dottie Pate and Dianne Preston; dogs, Nibbles, Baby and Buddie; nieces, nephews and friends. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made in his memory to the American Heart Association, 1300 Wynnton Road, Suite 108, Columbus, GA 31907. Please celebrate with us and to sign the on-line guest registry at www.mem.com