David Preston Jr.

David Preston Jr., 57, widower of Eugenia Sheriod Preston and companion of Karen Hill, died Friday, Dec. 15, 2006, at Clarendon Memorial Hospital, Manning.

Born Jan. 1, 1949, in the Cypress Fork section of Alcolu, he was a son of Maggie Gadson Preston and the late David Preston Sr. He received his formal education in the public schools of Clarendon County, graduating from Manning Training School in 1967. In his youth, he attended Cypress Fork AME Church. He was a photographer and an artist. He retired from the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, where he worked for 15 years.

Survivors besides his mother, Maggie S. Preston of Manning and companion, Karen Hill of Manning, include two sons, Darryl (Maria) Preston and Quentin Preston, both of New York, N.Y.; two stepdaughters, Kamica and Angela; one brother, Leon (Lizzie) Preston of Manning; four grandchildren, Anthony Preston, Kayla Preston, Aisiem Benton and Juwon Preston; three aunts; and two uncles.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006, at Hayes F. Samuels Sr. Memorial Chapel in Manning, with Brother Ed Ross officiating, assisted by Brother General Benbow.

Burial was in Reeseville AME Church Cemetery.

Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning was in charge of arrangements.