Wilburn Thomas "Hawkey" Preece

With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, papaw, brother, and uncle, Wilburn Thomas "Hawkey" Preece Jr. Hawkey departed this world surrounded by his loving family on August 25th, 2025, at St. Mary's Medical Center. He was born February 24th, 1956, in Tomahawk, Kentucky, to the late Mary Virginia "Coonie" and Wilburn Thomas Preece Sr. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Janet Brewer Preece, and his daughters, Caressa Muncy and her husband, Daniel, of Kermit, WV, and Kesheia Matheny and her husband, Jeff, also of Kermit. His grandchildren Haleigh Muncy (Elijah Fluty), Garrett Hensley, Harper Muncy, Preston Matheny, and Sadie Matheny. His siblings Mary Ann (Steve) Kominar, Emma (Ronnie) Muncy, Linda Gail (Monk) Sartin, Brenda Preece, Debbie (David) Dodd, Donnie (Angie) Preece, Robin (Doug) Collins, Michelle Preece, Stella (J.R.) Hinkle, and Reco Brandon (Robin) Preece, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Hawkey is preceded in death by siblings William Harold "Bull" Preece, James Edward "Jimbo" Preece, Timmy Dale Preece, and Stevie Preece. Hawkey Preece was a dedicated member of the Kermit United Baptist Church, served on the Kermit Buddy League Board of Directors, was a 20-year member of the Kermit Town Council, and a lifetime member and current fire chief of the Kermit Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a retired employee of LST and Consol Energy. Throughout his life, he remained an avid supporter of Kermit K-8 and Tug Valley High School athletics. More than any other accomplishment, Hawkey will always be known for his servant's heart. Most recently, the flooding of February 2025, in which his actions truly minimized the devastation of those impacted, while also uplifting the communities left in its wake. More than just an active community member, Hawkey lit up the lives of any and all children blessed to be his neighbors on "The Backstreet" of Kermit. Visitation will commence on Wednesday, August 27th, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, and continue from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on Thursday, August 28th, at the Old Kermit Gym. On these evenings, special services will begin at 7:00. Funeral Services will also be held at this location on Friday, August 29th, at 12:00 pm with Freddie Messer officiating. Burial to follow at the Preece Family Cemetery in Warfield, Kentucky. Pallbearers will be Ricky Hundley, Silas Belt, Davey Jude, Odell Sartin, Eric Sartin, Jeff Kirk, JW Endicott, Channing Preece, Bryson Preece, Chase Crum, and Jerry Ratliff. Honorary pallbearers will be Ronnie Brewer, Bud Kirk, Charles Sparks, and Matt Clovis, as well as the members of the Kermit Volunteer Fire Department.