Ray Winnie Preston III

A Celebration of Life Service for Ray Winnie Preston, III, 53, will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at Bush River Funeral Home; 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends following the service.

Mr. Ray passed away Friday, July 24, 2026. Born in Ithaca, NY, he was the son of Shirley Preston and the late Ray W. Preston, Jr. He was a big rig truck driver working for the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Ray will be fondly remembered for his selfless acts and care for others. He always found the good in everyone he encountered. Everyday was a good day to Ray, which showed with his outgoing personality and wonderful sense of humor with his silly and funny remarks.

He sang in the choir at Bethel Baptist Church in Prosperity. He showed his love in many ways, even when he tried to cook, his efforts were admired. You would often see him riding his motorcycle, often times with his loving wife, Jessica. He was her, and everyone's, Big Teddy Bear. Ray loved his family and friends dearly. There will be a void without him, but his legacy and love will always be felt.

He is survived by his wife, Jessica Patrides-Preston; mother, Shirley Preston; children, Daniel, Michael, and Elijia Preston; step-children, Teddy, Matthew and Sabrina Patrides; step-grandchildren, Leanna, Madison, and Matthew, Jr. Patrides; sisters, Wendy Gilbert and Tammy Wilson; brothers, Ralph and Alan Gilbert; 3 of his childhood best friends, Matthew Tribute, Rusty Wright and Kevin Goodwin (Together the 4 Musketeers); and a host of nieces and nephews whom loved him immensely.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ray W. Preston, Jr.