Preston Ross Bankhead

Preston Ross Bankhead entered his eternal life on Sunday night, August 4, 2024, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on May 24, 1937, to Sylvester and Ethel (Thomas) Bankhead in Columbus, MS. Preston grew up on the family farm where he learned to love and care about nature, it was there that he developed his love for hunting.

He graduated from R.E. Hunt High School in Columbus, Mississippi. After graduation he attended Tennessee State University, in Nashville, TN. Preston served in the United States Navy/Marines for four years as a hospital corpsman. He later transferred to the Naval Reserves. After his time in the military, he remained in California, and went to work, as a Manager for Thrifty Drug Stores in Los Angeles for five years.

In 1970 he moved to Chula Vista and joined Allstate Insurance as a Sales Representative and he was a top producer many times. In 1995, he became an Allstate agency owner and served the community for many years. He later sold his agency and went into retirement. Through his work at the insurance agency, Preston made a lifetime of many friends and acquaintances.

In 1977 Preston married the love of his life, Judith Ali Heinrich. They traveled the world together making beautiful memories, living out their dreams and strong commitment to God and to each other for over 40 years until Ali was laid to rest in 2018.

In his leisure time, Preston was an avid big game hunter. He hunted every year with his buddies in Colorado, Utah, Alaska and of course in California, where he enjoyed hunting Wild Hogs. During this time, he accumulated many trophies as evidence of his keen-eyed marksmanship.

Preston showed his love of Christ, through his devotion to his church and his church family. He was very involved and a leader at Chollas view Methodist church true and true. He held leadership positions that include the following: He was a member of District Union of San Diego, Lay Leader for over 27 years, Founding Member of United Methodist Men (UMM), Administrative Council Committee, Staff Parish Relation Committee (SPRC), Trustee Board, Planning Committee, Finance Committee. He was a leader in many different ways to help grow the church and serve God in his community. He was faithful to the food pantry at Chollas View from its beginning. Every Saturday, you would find him working at the pantry. Preston will be remembered by all of those that served with him and loved him. The simple pleasures of life brought great joy to Preston. He also loved to travel, fish, garden and cook. You would always find Preston sharing his wisdom in every conversation. He simply loved life.

He was proceeded in death by his Mother Ethel Bankhead, Father Sylvester Bankhead and his beloved wife Judith Ali Bankhead. He is survived by his sister Alverrene Bridgeforth (John), Nieces Michelle Lewis, Stephanie Bridgeforth, Wendy Hood and Jennifer Poppers-Karlsson, Nephews Michael Bridgeforth and Scott Poppers, and many other family members and friends, too numerous to name.