William Davis Preston

William Davis Preston was born on October 20, 1956 to the late Bertha Mae Cunningham Preston and Garland Arelius Preston. He grew up in a large, close-knit family that consisted of eleven siblings. William was affectionately known as "Wild Bill" due to his immense energy and incessant need to be on-the-go. He was educated in the Bedford County School System and was a 1976 graduate of Staunton River High School. While there, he was a star athlete in football and track. He would often remind family and friends of the records he set, which he assumed remained unbroken.
As a teenager, William began employment with Bunker Hill Foods. He later was employed with Webster Brick Company and Golden West Foods, where he was employed for many years. William ultimately made his career with Wheelabrator Abrasives (Winoa USA) where he retired after nearly 30 years. He met his devoted wife, Vanessa Lorraine Johnson in 1974, and they were married in 1984.
William loved life and was a blessing to many. He gave his life to Christ and regularly attended Spirit of Life Church International and occasionally, Washington Street Baptist Church. William was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He would not hesitate to give a helping hand to anyone in need. An encounter with William was sure to leave you with a smile. He was filled with kindness and often funny without intention. William found joy in being busy. According to him, there was always something that needed to be done, even when he could rest. William loved to have a good time and wouldn't hesitate to show off his dance moves while dressed to impress.
In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his mother-in-law Barbara Josephine Johnson and sister Donna Preston Goode. Left to celebrate and cherish his memories are his wife, Vanessa; children Barbara Watkins (Leander), William Preston (Sherry), Cheyney Preston (Katrina), Victor Thomason, and Cassandra Thomason (Loai). He was passionately adored by his grandchildren Jamaal, Alexia, Josie, and Kaydence who spent considerable time with him. He also leaves grandchildren Kaylah, Vzhinea, Victor Jr., Xavier, Giovanni, Zaria, Aleah, Dashia, DaQuantas, Camille, and Deville; great-grandchildren Micah, Jadiel, Jakobe, DaQuantas Jr.; siblings Darlene Yarbrough, Raymond Preston, Priscilla "Pixie" Ray (Warren), Tazewell "Taze" Preston, Delores "Lorie" Harris (Joe), Ethelda "Minnie" Davis (Johnnie), Derwin Preston (Sabrina), Ronald "Big Boy" Preston (Karen), Donald "Little Bit" Preston (Debbie); Aunt Emma Brown; Uncles John Newbill (Ellen) and Winford Newbill; father-in-law Willie Kirkland (Renee), a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He will be missed throughout the community and remembered fondly.