Gerald Preston

Gerald affectionately called “Butch” was born to the late Isaac Preston Sr. and Dorothy Mae Scott Preston on March 28, 1952 in Gary, Indiana. Gerald has a twin sister, Geraldine and they are the 7 & 8th children of 9. Gerald got his start at Beveridge Elementary School in Gary, Indiana. He graduated from Roosevelt High School, Class of 1971.

After graduating from Roosevelt High School, Gerald became employed at United States Steel. He was a hard worker; so much so that one winter when his car broke down and it was below 0 temperatures and several inches of snow, Gerald didn’t want to miss work, so he decided to walk from Glen Park to the Mill on 5th Ave. He enjoyed a career as a Burner for 18 years before his retirement.

Gerald was raised in a loving, Christian home where he was taught the world of God. Later, in 1999 when Gerald moved to Indianapolis, Indiana he became a member of St. David Church of God in Christ under the guidance of Pastor David L. Sanders where he gave his life to Christ and became a member of the Deacon Board.

Gerald was joined in holy matrimony to Lillian Preston. The union was blessed with one son Gerald Preston, Jr. He later met Dora Lewis and they became the parents to 4 children, 1 son Gerrami Preston and 3 daughters, Geree, Casey and Megan. Gerald and Dora were together 42 years and Dora loves and misses him very much.

Gerald was a very loving person with a great since of humor which will be sorely missed. He would make friends wherever he went, and often talked about 2 special friends Billy and Henry who preceded him in death. As Gerald’s health began to fade, he spent more time going in and out of rehabilitation facilities where he made several friends. Whenever he was discharged to home, he would have his wife drive him back to the facility so he could go and visit friends that were still patients. Gerald loved his family very much and he spent hours on the phone talking with his brothers, sisters and children.

On February 1st, 2021 Gerald passed away due to a lengthy illness. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Gerald managed his illness with strength and grace, and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible. On his final day, he was surrounded by his wife and most of his children, who he adored more than anything else in the world.

Gerald was preceded in death by his loving parents Isaac Edward Preston, Sr. and Dorothy Mae Scott Preston; siblings, JoAnn Preston Sams, Yvonne Preston Smith, Cecelia Preston, Isaac Preston Jr. and Deborah Preston Samuels. Gerald will forever be remembered by his wife Dora; his sons, Gerald Preston Jr, Gerrami Preston his daughters Geree (Troy) McClendon, Casey Lewis and Megan Lewis; his grandchildren Micheal McClendon, Troy L. McClendon III, Javon Mormon, Jeremiah Hendrix, Myah Hendrix, Adam McClendon, Brandon Richardson, Daniel Alexander, Prince Richardson, and siblings Annette Preston Austin (Donald Sr.) Dorothy Preston and twin sister Geraldine Preston White.

Gerald is also lovingly remembered by his sister-in-laws Justin Millender Preston, Lorrian Hemphill, Dee Hemphill, Ann (Clyde) Adamson, Ruby (Owen) Huggins, Gloria (Jay) Spencer and brother-in-law, George Lewis and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family of Gerald Preston wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation all acts of kindness, calls, cards, condolences, prayers and any other expressions of kindness in our time of sorrow. May God Bless you all.

Service for Gerald will be held, 1:00 pm, Friday, February 12, 2021, at Williams and Bluitt Funeral Home Peoples' Chapel, 5252 E. 38th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, with visitation held from 12:00 pm, until time of service at 1:00 pm, all taken place at Williams and Bluitt Funeral Home.

Upon the family's request, disposition will be private.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.williamsandbluitt.com for the Preston family.