Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. John Leroy “Skeet” Preston was the second child born to the late Wiliam “Jack” and Fannie Rutledge-Preston in Slab Fork, WV.

He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Paul and Richard and his sister, Gladys.

Skeet was affectionately known by all. He was raised and baptized in Slab Fork by the former Pastor Samuel Williams.

Our family moved to Beckley after the passing of our father, and we were the first residents of the Beckley houses that were built on Pumley Avenue. The family moved to Columbus, OH in 1958 to be with our mother's family.

Skeet enjoyed gardening and cutting grass. He was employed by Phillip Machinery Co. and several other construction companies until his health began to fail.

He later became a resident at Jackie Withrow Care Facility. He loved the staff and always acted as if he was the owner there. Donna Carter would take him shopping and all the nurses treated him as if he was an important resident. He would often tell his sisters what he needed. Gloria was assigned popcorn and Ms. Nuweey was assigned to get anything that had Ohio State on it. He would always let his niece, Carolyn, know that she had better drive his sisters down to see him. Neither one likes to drive the “turnpike”

Skeet was a great member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where he served as an Usher and sung with the Male Choir. He loved helping his friend, Bodie Smith, around the church and he loved his Pastor. He was blessed on Thursday night when Pastor Staples came to his bedside and served him the Lord’s Supper.

Following that he took the morning train at 3:04AM to the land of no more pain.

Skeet leaves to cherish his memory two sisters, Gloria Washington of Columbus, OH and E. Louise Mosley of Chicago, IL; sister-in-law, Victoria Preston of Columbus, OH and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, along with his Mt. Zion Baptist Church Family.

Funeral service will be 11:00AM Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church 142 Mool Ave. Beckley. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.