Dr. Benton Preston

April 3, 2014

Dr. Benton Preston, 81, passed away Thursday, April 3, 2014 at his home. A celebration of Dr. Preston’s life will be held from 12 Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 6, 2014 at  Old Vicksburg Road Baptist Church, 1701 Old Vicksburg Road in Clinton. A private family graveside service was held at Lakewood Memorial Park.

Dr. Preston was born on April 25, 1932, in Pearl River County, Miss., the son of the late Clyde and Nona Preston. He served in the US Army with the 138th Pontoon Bridge Company in Korea. He earned his Bachelor degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and his Master of Divinity from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He continued his education, earning a Doctorate in Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary in Jacksonville, FL.

Dr. Preston began his ministry at Briar Hill Baptist Church in Florence, Miss., where he remained the pastor for 2 years. He accepted a call to Midway Baptist Church in Jackson, Miss., where he served as the pastor for 25 years and Pineview Baptist Church in Clinton, Miss., serving for 8 years as pastor. Dr. Preston was currently the pastor of Old Vicksburg Road Baptist Church in Clinton for the past 19 years.

Dr. Preston loved the Lord and preaching the Gospel to his church families. His heart was for missions. He preached numerous revivals around the United States and internationally in Sweden and five trips to Korea.  He was an avid golfer and enjoyed watching LSU football and Kentucky basketball.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by: brothers, Russell and Larry Preston and sister, Donnie Jean Preston.

Survivors include: wife, Ann Preston of Clinton; daughter, Stephanie Preston of Clinton; daughter, Ellen Preston of Raymond, Miss.; son, Ben Preston of Jackson, Miss.; brother, Ernest Preston (Mary) of McComb, Miss.; sisters-in-law, Ruth Preston of Picayune, Miss.; Dollie Reynolds of Wiggins, Miss.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Prestons opened their home to many internationals  including, Johan, Valeri, Marco, Brigitte, Davron, Nodir, Hamid and Andy.

Memorials may be made to the MS Baptist Convention Board for International or North American or State Missions, P.O Box 530, Jackson, MS 39205.