Obituary of Bill Preston Jr.

Dr. William Emory Preston Jr., Bill, age 83, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.  Bill was born on December 10, 1939, in Midland City, Alabama, to his parents, Alma and William Emory Preston Sr.  He was a devoted husband to his late wife, Sherwin Preston, and a loving father to his daughters, Channa and Brooke.

Bill lived a remarkable life full of achievements and generosity.  After graduating from Choctawatchee High School, Bill received a football scholarship to play at Florida State University, where he pledged to the Kappa Alpha fraternity.  Bill graduated top of his class at Emory School of Dentistry in Atlanta, Georgia.  He served as a dentist in the Army during wartime, where he found his passion for helping others.  Following his time in the Army, Bill established his dental practice in Fort Walton Beach, where he served the community for 42 years.  He was a gentle and compassionate dentist who was beloved by his patients and staff.

Outside of his work, Bill was an avid athlete and golfer.  He was a proud member of Shalimar Pointe Golf Club and enjoyed spending time on the golf course with his friends.  As a man of great faith, Bill carried out mission trips to Costa Rica and Guatemala, providing dental services to those in need.  He was a member of Shalimar United Methodist Church and lived his life focused on God and family.

Bill was a devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with his daughters and grandchildren.  He never missed a family reunion on Anna Maria Island and enjoyed spending his free time surrounded by family and close friends.  Bill was a passionate Florida State Seminole booster and football fan.  He was a kind and gentle gentleman who never made an enemy and was loved by all who knew him.

Bill is survived by his daughters and son in laws, Channa and John Schuster, Brooke and Jon Smalley; grandchildren, William, Emerie, Garrett, Wyatt, and Jesse; extended family; dear friends; and caregiver, Debbie Campbell.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Bill Preston, who never met a bad beer or ice cream, on Thursday, May 25th at the "19th Hole", Shalimar Pointe Club from 4pm - 7pm (There will be a time of remembrance and celebration at 5:00 pm with Pastor Philip McVay).  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shalimar United Methodist Church or the Shalimar Pointe Golf Club.