Edward Michael Preston

A celebration of his life will be held at 11am on Thursday, July 5, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church and the family will visit with friends in the Virginia Gilmer Room following the service.

Ed was born February 29, 1932 in Omega, Georgia. His mother died after his birth, and he was lovingly adopted by relatives, Leona S. and Edward F. Preston. He grew up in Tifton, GA and graduated from Tifton High School. He attended Abraham Baldwin College. He enlisted in the Navy when the Korean War began. He served on the USS Midway. After serving four years, he attended Georgia State University and graduated with a Degree in Business Administration.

Ed entered the sales field as a manufacturer’s representative in paper and packaging. In 1971 he and his partner, Dave Evans founded Merchants Sales Company which covered the Southeast United States. Ed was known as the creative thinker and planner for the company. He always had a vision for the company’s future and the fortitude to move the company in that direction. Ed had a reputation for his strong business ethics, his honesty, his integrity and his fair practices. He had a passion for and encouraged each individual to reach their full potential in achieving their very best. much of the curriculum and was for many years one of the course instructors at Indiana University. He was instrumental in creating a certification program for Manufacturers Representatives at Indiana University. He developed much of the curriculum and was for many years one of the course instructors at Indiana University.

Ed is known for his love of God, for his love of family, for his patriotism to his country and for the principles this country was built upon. He had strong beliefs and equally strong opinions. One of his closest colleagues recently, best described Ed when he said, “Ed lived in a black and white world. Something was either right, or it was wrong, and there was no in between. He was honest, moral, intelligent, insightful, driven, spiritual, successful and FUN.” Ed had a love of life and people. He loved to golf, fish and to play any and all games, and he always played to win. He loved to travel and often said he had been everywhere he ever wanted to go in the world and that this life has been a fantastic journey, but he has faith that the next one into heaven with Jesus will surpass everything he can imagine.

Ed is a member of First Presbyterian Church, Greensboro Country Club, and The Water’s Edge Country Club at Smith Mountain Lake, VA. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, and Urban Ministry, serving on its Board of Directors. He is a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. In his earlier years he was a Sunday school teacher and a church youth leader.

Ed is survived by the love of his life, soul mate and wife of 59 years JoAnn J. Preston; daughter Sharon Schlosser and husband James E. Greensboro, son Edward M. Preston, Jr. and wife Katherine Preston-Lash, Sedona Az.; granddaughters Anna-Preston Schlosser and Caroline Gail Schlosser, both of Greensboro; brother Sam Goode, Deland FL and beloved sisters-in-law, Millicent DeShazo, Waycross GA., Ellen Hearn, Macon Ga., Martha Andrews, Jacksonville, FL., Sara Davis, Tifton GA., and Betty Webb, Valdosta GA.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude for the tender loving care provided by the Hospice team and to Dr. Brad Sherrill and his nurses for their excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, Ed requested contributions be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC, 27405, Hillsdale College, 33 East College Street, Hillsdale MI, 49242 and Salvation Army of Greensboro, P. O. Box 5310 Greensboro, NC 27435.

Hanes Lineberry N. Elm street is assisting the Preston family. Online condolences may be made @ www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com