Gary Hicks Preston

Gary Hicks Preston, a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2024 surrounded by his loving family in St. George, Utah Regional Hospital. He was born December 12, 1939 in Columbus, Georgia to Virgie Beatrice McBride and Payton Miller Preston. He grew up on their dairy farm and helped his family each day, gathering the chicken eggs when he was very young, then later milking the cows each morning before school, along with every Saturday and Sunday. He graduated from Jordan High School in 1957 in Columbus under the care of his grandmother, Ivy McBride. 

At 17, Gary joined the U.S. Coast Guard, serving for five years. While stationed in Galveston, Texas, he met the love of his life on a blind date, Helen Ruth Davis, who attended UT Medical Branch in Galveston. They married seven months later in December of 1959. During their 64+ years of marriage, they lived in Argentia, Newfoundland, St. Petersburg, FL, Dallas, TX, Garland, TX, Cedar Creek Lake in Texas, and most recently, St. George Utah. 

Gary was an active and involved father raising two children. He also provided a vital role in his grandson’s life. He always put his family first, attending all of his children's events – athletic games, band concerts, and football halftime shows. He was team manager for his son’s ice hockey league and football coach. He was an avid fan of many college and professional levels of sports throughout life. His daughter fondly referred to him as the sports statistics encyclopedia. 

Gary was a proud career member of the UA Local Union #100, Plumbers and Pipefitters in Dallas, TX, also serving as president. In 1999, he was recognized by City of Garland Fire Department for Distinguished Service for his contribution in the search and rescue of an elderly neighbor trapped in his attic in the heat of the summer. In retirement, he volunteered service to his Methodist church and to MAGS food bank in Mabank, TX. He also initiated his own charitable efforts. During several winters, he collected coats and gave them to directly to homeless individuals on the streets of downtown Dallas. He also provided meals that he either purchased or prepared to the homeless. 

Gary is survived by his wife, Helen, two children, Teresa and David, daughter-in-law, Kathleen, two grandchildren, Matthew Rabone and Mischa Jordan, one great granddaughter, Lenore (Lexi) Jones, and two brothers, Ernest, and Mike. He was preceded in death by parents, Virgie and Payton Preston, sister, Anne Woodall, and two brothers, Joseph and John Preston.

The family will host a memorial service to celebrate his life at Shepard of the Hills United Methodist Church in St. George, Utah, 920 W. Tonaquint Drive St. George, UT 84770 on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 10:30a.m. Mountain Time. The service will be streamed on YouTube with a link provided to family and friends who would like to view the service.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in memory of their Dad. https://www.stjude.org/