Preston Lee Fant

Master Firefighter Preston Fant, 53, of Powder Springs, Georgia, passed away in the line of duty on September 8, 2025, while serving with DeKalb County Fire Rescue.

Born on January 18, 1972, in Marietta Georgia, Preston was the son of Tommy Fant and the late Peggy Fant. He grew up in Mableton and attended Pebblebrook High School, where he wrestled and began shaping the discipline, strength, and perseverance that would later define his career and life.

For 21 years, Preston proudly served with DeKalb County Fire Rescue, Station 24. He was not only a firefighter, but a highly skilled rescuer whose training and certifications reflected his extraordinary dedication. Preston was certified in swift water rescue, structural collapse operations, confined space operations, trench rescue, and high-angle/rope rescue. His skill, courage, and calm leadership in the most dangerous conditions earned him the respect and trust of his brothers and sisters in the fire service, as well as the gratitude of the community he so faithfully protected. To many, he was the very definition of a firefighter: brave, selfless, and unwavering in his commitment to others.

Outside of the firehouse, Preston's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose love was evident in every part of his life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching the Atlanta Braves, repairing cars, building and fixing houses, hanging out with friends, and gathering for bonfires with family. His quick smile, easy laughter, and willingness to help anyone made him a cornerstone not only of his family but of everyone blessed to know him. More than anything, he treasured time spent with his loved ones, always striving to make those around him smile.

Preston was a man of faith, giving his life to Jesus Christ, and attended Burnt Hickory Baptist Church. His faith, family, and service guided him daily and shaped the legacy he leaves behind.

He is survived by his loving wife, Leigh Fant; his five children, Sara and son-in-law Percy, Ginger and future son-in-law Chandler, Timothy, Amber, and Nathan; his cherished granddaughter, Harper; his father, Tommy Fant; and his brother, Chris (Kristi) Fant. He was preceded in death by his mother, Peggy Fant.

Preston's life will be honored at a service on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Truist Park, followed by a graveside service at Kennesaw Memorial Park. He will lie in state at Truist Park from 1pm until 2pm prior to the service. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed so that all who loved him may join in remembering his life and sacrifice. (The 1st Base Gate and the 3rd Base Gate will open approximately at 12pm on Thursday. Seating will be from Lower-Level Sections 116 - 136. For parking, there will be signage and police directing traffic)

Preston Fant will forever be remembered as a hero, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, and a friend. His legacy will live on in the fire service, in his family, and in the countless lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation at www.firehero.org