Charles Watts Preston, Jr.

Charles Watts Preston Jr entered eternal rest on September 29, 2020 in Fullerton, CA at the age of 95.  Charles was born on January 2, 1925 in Morrilton, AK to Charles Sr. and Elizabeth (Gray) Preston.  His younger brother, Albert, who preceded him in death, was born in 1926.  They were both products of the Great Migration during the period of the Harlem Renaissance. 

Charles and Albert were very close and Charles affectionally referred to Albert as his “baby brother”.  Both brothers had a passion for baseball and spent a great deal of time playing in the sandlots outside of the Polo Grounds in upper Manhattan, which was the home field of the New York Giants until the professional baseball team relocated to San Francisco after the 1957 season.  Charles played second base while Albert was a pitcher.  When the New York Giants were not playing well, the fans resorted to watching the brothers and other children play in the sandlots.    

Charles enlisted in the US Army and served his country proudly during World War II.  Charles struggled after returning to civilian life, but God saw his burden and stepped into his life.  Charles accepted Jesus back into his life and never looked back.  Throughout his life, he professed his faith to all who knew him and to those he met.  Charles joined Calvary Chapel and remained an active member for more than 25 years.  He brought many to Christ through his work as a Sunday school teacher.  On any any given day, you would find Charles studying the Word and reciting scripture.  He had an unwavering love for the Lord.  

Charles had a profound influence on his nephew and godson, William (Bill) Preston.  After the death of his brother Albert, Charles moved from Philadelphia to Southern California.  As his godfather, Charles played an integral part in many aspects of Bill’s life, from his teenage years through adulthood.  He provided Bill with his first personal Bible, helped him draw closer to God and instilled in him the importance of leaning on the Lord.  He corrected Bill when was going through his challenging teenaged years,  worked out with him to improve his baseball skills, took on numerous outings to the beach and Disneyland, taught him to tie his tie, attended his baseball games, and gave him his first briefcase after he graduated from University of Southern California (USC).

Charles worked for Disney for almost two decades and prided himself as an entrepreneur/businessman when he started his own janitorial service, Action Building Service Company in San Dimas.  He also worked for the Curtis Company, a real estate service.  He ended his career as a custodian for Calvary Chapel. 

Charles is survived by his three children, Cherie Ashcroft, Charles (Chuck) Preston, and June Preston-Hudson; three grandchildren, Charles Brandon Preston (Chuck), Shakina Hudson (June), Wayne Hudson (June) and a host of nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death: Albert Webber Preston (brother) and Melba Louise Preston (sister-in-law).