Robert Hulan Preston, 57, passed away on January 29, 2015 as a result of complications from an accident sustained several weeks earlier. Robert was born on June 5, 1957 in Montgomery, Alabama to Wilburn and Billie Preston. He graduated from Lanier High School in 1975 before beginning a career in truck and equipment sales and service. His two businesses, Value-Centers and V-C Trucking are known for Robert's attention to detail and outstanding professional service.
Robert was first and foremost a Christian, a family man, and a friend. He was a member of Frazer United Methodist Church. Robert loved life and was rarely without a smile. He was quick to offer a helping hand to others, and many counted him among their best friends. Robert enjoyed working in his garden, riding his Harley, cooking, Auburn football, and hunting.
Robert is survived by his wife, Catherine Poundstone Preston; daughters, Laura Ann Preston Maxey (Stan), and Sarah Elizabeth Preston; son, Robert Hulan Preston, Jr. (Nikki); grandson, Wylie Hughes Preston; parents, Wilburn and Billie Preston; mother-in-law, Margaret Farley Poundstone; and a host of other family members and friends, each of whom will remember Robert's good nature, easy smile and joyful spirit. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Robert Emmett Poundstone, Jr.
His family would like to thank the CICU staff at UAB Hospital for their kindness and care. During the time Robert was in CICU, his family befriended many others with very sick loved ones. Donations to the "Honoring Robert Preston's Legacy" youcaring.com website are requested in lieu of flowers. These funds will be used to provide meals in Robert's memory to those who are supporting CICU patients at UAB.
http://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/honoring-robert-preston-s-legacy/301315.
Visitation will be on Saturday, February 7, at Woodland United Methodist Church, Pike Road, Alabama from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. A celebration of life service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the church.
Published in the Montgomery Advertiser from Feb. 5 to Feb. 6, 2015.
~~ You Caring Memorial Fundraiser Honoring Robert Preston's Legacy ~~
On January 29, 2015, Robert Preston died as a result of complications from a hunting accident sustained several weeks earlier. Robert was well on the way to recovery from back surgery when a pulmonary embolism blocked his lungs from supplying oxygen to his brain. Robert was admitted to UAB's CICU where he was placed on an ECMO machine for several days. There was hope that he would recover, but ultimately, the injury to his brain proved too great.
During his stay in CICU, Catherine, Rob, Laura, and Sarah were cared for and comforted by the nurses, doctors and ECMO technicians who treated Robert. They were a wonderful support system and essentially became family to the Prestons during Robert's eight days under their care.
Also while Robert was in CICU, his family befriended many other families with sick loved ones. From the mother and grandfather of a young man who had already beaten both a congenital heart defect and cancer and who was in a third battle for his life, to the family of a young father who was awaiting a double lung trasplant, these families leaned on one another. It's a scary place to be, and it became obvious to Catherine that a lengthy hospital stay creates financial as well as emotional stress for some families. She dreams of honoring Robert's legacy by easing a small burden for some of the future families who will find themselves in the CICU waiting area at UAB. The funds raised will provide meals for them in Robert’s memory.