Joseph "Preston" Wardlaw

Preston was always full of life and knew what to say at the right time to make your day. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. He loved spending time with his kids and fiancée, Emily. Preston always reminisced about their fishing trips, sledding in the snow, rides to the mountains, swimming at the lake, getting slushes, and playing at the parks.

Preston grew up playing football in the Ledford community starting at Friendship Elementary and continuing through Ledford Middle and High Schools, making lifelong friends along the way. He loved going to his brother's football games to cheer him on. He grew up fishing with his grandparents and loved and enjoyed it so much he became an avid fisherman. If he couldn't catch them, then they couldn't be caught. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.

Left to cherish Preston's memory are his father, Paige and Melissa Wardlaw of Wallburg, NC; mother, Rhea L. Alvarez of Thomasville, NC; brother, Mason Wardlaw of Wallburg, NC; sister, Ann Beaver of High Point, NC; children, Allison Wardlaw, Jaxon Wardlaw and Lilah Lance; grandparents, Rick and Cindi Stone-Amos of Pawleys Island, SC; grandparents, Dana Hill (Jerry) of Rural Hall, NC; uncle, Dustin Wardlaw, and aunt, Monica McMasters, of Thomasville, NC; uncle, Chris Stone (Angie); aunt, Robin Stone (Rob Leslie) of Greensboro, NC; cousins, Austin McDaniels, Kimrey Mitchell of Trinity, NC, Paris and Simone Carden of Greensboro, NC; and fiancée, confidant, and best friend, Emily Rothrock, and her daughter Audriana.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 from 5-7pm at Sechrest-Davis Funerals & Cremations of Thomasville, 18 Randolph Street, Thomasville, NC 27360.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital.

The family is under the care of Sechrest-Davis Funerals & Cremations of Thomasville. Online condolences may be shared at www.SechrestDavisThomasville.com - select obituaries.