Bill G. Preston, 84, Marion, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 5:14 pm on Friday, June 28, 2024, at Miller's Merry Manor in Marion. He was born in Peru, Indiana, on Saturday, November 11, 1939, to Earl and Ethel (Carroll) Preston. On July 12, 1959, he married Mary Riddle, and she survives. They would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year.
Bill graduated from Jefferson High School. He worked at Glass Containers for 25 years until they closed. He then worked at Wiley Metal for 16 years followed by 14 years at Needham-Storey-Wampner until his retirement. He viewed his time at NSW as his most rewarding/fulfilling job. He loved his job!
Bill loved golfing and was in several leagues over the years. He was a charter member at Walnut Creek. He loved playing softball with his son, Gary, and had also bowled in several factory leagues. Bill also loved fishing.
God was fundamental in Bill's life. He was a member of Grace Community Church, where he loved being involved and had gone on several mission trips. He had the opportunity to meet a Navajo Code Talker, which was instrumental in WWII communications.
The family would like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice and Miller's Merry Manor for taking good care of Bill.
Additional survivors include his son, Gary W. (Patricia) Preston of Upland; daughter, Dedra (Rich) Orrell of Sweetser; grandchildren, Erin M. (Krae) Wolf, Trey Orrell, and Sophia (Braden Drook) Orrell; and great-grandsons, Jace (Victoria Thompson) Wolf, Griffyn Wolf, and Anson Wolf.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Richard Dee Preston and Earl Lee Preston; and sisters, Jacqueline Smith and Cindy Kellogg.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Monday, July 8, 2024, at Grace Community Church, 1810 E. Bradford Pike, Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Bill's life will begin at 1:00 pm with Pastor Tom Mansbarger officiating. Burial will take place at Jefferson Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Heart to Heart Hospice, 1614 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN 46952 or Upland Volunteer Fire Department, 127 N. Main St., Upland, IN 46989.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bill, please visit our floral store.
