Obituary of Donald R. Preston

Donald R. Preston, age 79, passed away at Life Care Center of Hilton Head on January 30th, 2024, following a long life of service. His commitment to duty was marked by a passion to serve his country and his community.

Don was born September 19th, 1944, in Detroit, MI to his parents, Donald E. and Virginia Preston. He graduated from Melvindale High School in Melvindale, MI. Don was very enthusiastic about sports, medaling as a high school state finalist in wrestling and playing on their football team. In later years Don would develop a passion for golf that never left him. He had the great opportunity to join and was an eager participant in, the Adaptive Golf Experience, The Legends at Parris Island. Don also loved to go camping, achieving the level of Explorer Scout in the United States Boy Scouts. After retirement Don and Lisa developed a passion for scuba diving, which brought them to all sorts of fun and exotic locales.

Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during his senior year of high school and started his service in 1962. He valiantly served two tours in Vietnam and was wounded during his second tour, leading to an early retirement from military service. Although he retired from active military duty, the Marine Corps continued to always be a significant part of his life. Once a Marine, always a Marine.

Shortly after returning to Michigan in 1970, he met and fell in love with his future wife, Lisa McGlinn. Don and Lisa were married in 1971. They were blessed with two loving sons. Brian in 1973, followed by Dave in 1975. Don set an example of hard work, perseverance, and service to others which made a profound impact on the lives of his wife, sons, and their wives (whom he considered to be his own daughters), and the lives of every single person he touched.

Don started his 34-year career at Wyandotte General Hospital in Wyandotte, MI. During his tenure at the hospital, he worked extensively with people with disabilities and offered his services to help coordinate numerous activities and events for the hospital staff.

Don and Lisa retired in 2004 and began fully devoting time to service in their communities in Michigan and Hilton Head Island, SC, where they ultimately retired. Don dedicated his time to community service in so many ways, including, but never limited to, cleaning the beach every morning, turtle nest preservation, and volunteering at thrift stores. He hosted Operation R&R to service members who were reconnecting with their family members when returning from deployment. He enjoyed spending time at the senior center while entertaining everyone with his great smile and always wearing the most fun hats and costumes. Don was very proud of his Scottish and German heritage and could be regularly seen wearing his kilt around town.

Don is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lisa McGlinn Preston, of Hilton Head Island, SC; son Brian Preston and his wife Stephanie Preston of Blairsville, GA; son Dave Preston and his wife Kristina Jolly-Preston of Playa del Rey, CA; brother Jim Preston and his wife Brenda Preston of Lake City, MI; brother Bill Preston of Allen Park, MI; and sister-in-law Marge Preston of Southgate,MI. He is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Virginia Preston of Allen Park, MI; and brother Al Preston of Southgate, MI.

The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis by the Sea, Hilton Head Island, SC, on Thursday, February 8th, 2024, at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the following: Volunteers in Medicine Hilton Head: https://vimclinic.org/donations/make-a-donation/, Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head: https://www.seaturtlepatrolhhi.org/, and Marine Corps League - Yellow Footprints Chapter: Mail to 1811 Dolphin Row Dr, Beaufort, SC 29903.