Lester Jay Preston

“I shall not be afraid to go into this land I do not know. I will go without fear to Him who blessed me while I was here. As I reach out and take His hand, I am not alone. Remember, there are our loved ones who have gone before to meet me as I pass through the door.” Jay was born on Saturday, April 7, 1951, to the late Lester Jay Preston, Jr. and Gloria Ann Preston in York, Pennsylvania. Hawk, as he was affectionately called, received his formal education in the York School District, York, Pennsylvania, and graduated from the Job Corps in Kentucky. He was a retired employee of the Ingram Micro Company in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. At a very young age, Hawk attended Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in York, Pennsylvania, with his parents. In his later years, when his family relocated to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, he became affiliated with the Bethel AME Church in Harrisburg, PA. Hawk was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed all sports, especially football and basketball. His favorite teams were the Chicago Bears and Detroit Pistons; he also enjoyed shooting pool with his friends and watching black-and-white movies. His favorite pastime was hanging out with his family, eating, listening to music, and dancing. Jay was a loving and devoted son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle to his family. He gave himself unselfishly to others and was always willing to help in any way he could. We will always remember and cherish the beautiful life he shared with us. On the morning of Monday, April 13, 2026, at the tender age of 75 years and 6 days, our beloved Lester Jay Preston, III, son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and good friend, was called home to be with our Lord, Jesus Christ, at the Harrisburg Hospital in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Along with his parents, Jay was preceded in death by his wife, Gilda Preston, brothers, Larry R. Preston and David A. Preston; sister, Linda Headen; and sister-in-law, Brenda Denmark. Jay leaves to cherish beautiful memories with his loving and devoted daughter Tina (Evans) Lowery III; sons Christopher (Angel) Byrd, Phillip Byrd and Brian Byrd; his five grandchildren, Najee Perry of Augusta, GA, Chentel Hinton, Prestige Lane, Evans Lowery IV, and Michelle Lowery all of Harrisburg, PA, two great grandchildren; Milani Hinton and Kaizen Perry. His brother, Leon Denmark of New York; sisters, Angela Hickerson and Kay Carelock both of Harrisburg, PA; brothers Douglas (Yvette) Smallwood of Dover, PA; Jeffrey Bannister of Harrisburg, PA, Anthony (Sharndel) Orr of York, PA; Phillip Harris of Cleveland, Ohio, sisters Vivian Thompson of Walterboro, SC; and Linda Orr of York, PA and brother in law, John Headen of Harrisburg, PA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends and loved ones. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME. Flower delivery, 8:30 a.m., Monday, April 27, at WFD.

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Lester Jay Preston

April 7, 1951 - April 13, 2026