He is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Esther Ruth Haynes; along with his parents; brother, Charles; sister, Ann; and granddaughter, Nancy Lynn McVey Haley. He is survived by his bride of seven years, Wynelle Jones Haynes; brother, Robert; and his four children, Janice Lynette McVey (Larry), Katherine Louise Ballew (Robert), James Preston Haynes (Chris), Ruth Ann Mitchell (Walt); seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He attended Tyler Junior College and graduated from North Texas State University with a master’s degree in Mathematics. Preston worked for LTV Corporation in Grand Prairie, TX and was later transferred to Langley Air Force Base in Newport News, Virginia. In 1970, he moved to Houston to work for Lockheed in the Flight Simulation Lab at NASA. In addition, Preston, his brother Charles and son, James (Jimmy) started a family business, Haynes Striping.
He was a 33rd degree Mason and had many affiliations with Masonic fraternities, serving numerous statewide offices in both Freemasonry and the Eastern Star. He and Esther regularly volunteered for the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital and sang the National Anthem at the Shriner’s Circus.
Preston was a member of The Woods Baptist Church, Tyler, TX. Previously, he was a founding member of University Baptist Church, Houston, TX, volunteering as their first music director. He loved the church and served as treasurer, deacon, choir and orchestra member. He also served as a member of the Navajo Mission team for 35 years.
Music and sports were some of his favorite interests. Preston played in the original Dallas Cowboys Marching Band and was an avid supporter of his team. He also loved baseball, as he and Esther sang the National Anthem at numerous Houston Astros games. Preston had an incredible sense of humor that kept his family laughing. Yet, he was a kind and gentle man who loved the Lord and his family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, Fisher House or the University Baptist Church Navajo Mission Team.
Visitation is at 1:00 pm Saturday, May 18 with a service to follow at 2:00 pm at Lloyd James Funeral Home, Tyler, Texas. Internment will follow at Bascom Cemetery.
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