Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1918
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Preston Hubbard Obituary
Smyrna, TN
Dr. Preston J. Hubbard, age 97, of Smyrna died February 17, 2016 at Diversacare of Smyrna. Dr. Hubbard was born October 5, 1918 in Winfield, AL and grew up in Lawrenceburg, TN. He lived in Smyrna the past ten years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Rachel Hubbard; wife, Ruth Hubbard; siblings, Dr. Kenneth Hubbard, Dixie Kading, Helen Skolaris and Doris Uren. He is survived by one sister, Kathryn Coleman and sisters-in-law, Faye Hubbard, Henriella Heath and Ernestein Blanton; and one brother-in-law, Lacy Perry.
Preston enlisted in the Army in June, 1941 and was assigned to the 409th Signal Company in the Philippines shortly before the Battles of Bataan and Corregidor, and was taken prisoner by the Japanese in April, 1942. While in captivity, he was a part of the Bataan Death March, was near starvation, used as slave labor by the Japanese and survived the "Hell Ship" Nissyo Maru trip to Japan. He was discharged from the Army in February, 1946. Preston was awarded many medals and ribbons upon his return home. After the war, he enrolled in Vanderbilt University and earned his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. He taught history at Austin Peay State University for thirty-three years. He then wrote and published a book about his war experience called "Apocalypse Undone: My Survival of Japanese Imprisonment during World War II."
Graveside service will be February 19, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Lawrence County Memorial Gardens in Lawrenceburg, TN. Dr. Lenny Farmer and Dr. Albert Randall will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to APSU Advancement Office, Attention: Preston Hubbard Fund, Box 4417, Clarksville, TN 37044.
Arrangements are under the direction of Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home, 820 South Church St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130. 615-893-2422. Please leave online condolences at www.jenningsandayers.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Preston Hubbard
6 Entries
Terry Cox
March 31, 2016
A great American, a wonderful Professor, a nice man. It was an honor to know him.
Sandra Clarke
February 20, 2016
Dr.Hubbard was a kind man with a good sense of humor. I loved his history classes at APSU. (1975-78)
Stacey Swanson
February 19, 2016
I so wish I had known him prior to the dementia. We did become friends, he knew where my office was and would often visit me. We would hold hands and I would give him chocolate. He would try talk a little about his past. And would ask me how I was. He truly touched my heart. I can't imagine what he witnessed in WW2. Several times he would cry and say "they made me do it". He never elaborated. After I read his book I understood just a little bit of the horror he went through. I was at Mayfield the day he asked for Jesus to save him. He was very lucid. I know he is in heaven and gone are all those memories. And someday I will get to meet you again. Love you Doc.
Charles McCorkle
February 18, 2016
A wonderful colleague with whom I enjoyed working more than 22 years. Have missed his sense of humor and his deep wisdom of so many things. A great American and a hero for all time.
Jerry Ross
February 18, 2016
I enjoyed his classes! APSU class of 1990
Mike Northington IV
February 18, 2016
A mighty good Man. One of the finest to ever teach at Austin Peay.
Mike Northington IV, APSU Class of 1973
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Preston Hubbard's name
Memorial Events
for Preston Hubbard
Funeral services provided by:
Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home and Cremation820 South Church St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
How to support Preston's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Preston Hubbard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
