John Howard Preston was born on November 4, 1935, in Washington, PA, and died November 4, 2025, at home on Hilton Head Island with his devoted wife by his side. He was the son of John William Preston and Virginia Rose Brown Preston and the grandson of Howard and Elizabeth Henderson Brown and Joseph and Justina Preston. John cherished his Grandmother Brown, whose influence he often fondly recalled.

 

At the age of four, John’s life was marked by tragedy when his father passed away in a work accident one day before his resignation was to become effective. This was a defining moment in John’s life, shaping his character and outlook.

 

John graduated from Trinity High School in Washington, PA, in 1954. He served in the U.S. Army for two years as a Combat Medic and was honorably discharged in 1958.

 

Following his military service, John pursued higher education earning a bachelor’s degree in Earth Science and History from California State College and a master’s degree in counseling from Southern Illinois University.

 

John shared his knowledge and experience by teaching educational leaders how to apply business principles, learned during his corporate career with American Water Corporation, to challenges in the educational sector.

 

He was awarded a United States Office of Education Fellowship, allowing him to earn a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Georgia, graduating in 1973.

 

As a professor at Georgia State University in Atlanta, John not only served as Department Chairman of Vocational and Career Development, but also was Director of the Career and Technical Leadership Institute. In this capacity, he trained countless teachers and leaders from colleges and universities across Georgia, particularly through the New Administrator’s Workshop, a responsibility he had for three decades.

 

John’s dedication was evident in his commitment to meeting students where they were, traveling across Georgia to visit them in their schools and provide support. He knew every student’s name by the first class and required them to know each other’s names by the end of the first class, fostering a strong sense of community and support among his students.

 

John met Martha at a volleyball game at the apartment complex where they both lived in Atlanta. They married on May 28, 1983, beginning a partnership filled with mutual respect and devotion.

 

In his role as Executive Director of Georgia’s Board of Regents Global Center, John facilitated international educational opportunities for Georgia’s students, establishing partnerships with other countries and creating reciprocal programs.

 

His remarkable contributions to education were recognized with the prestigious Carl Perkins Award. Additionally, the Georgia State Senate and the Georgia House of Representatives each presented John with commendations for his outstanding service and influence in the field of education.

 

After relocating to Hilton Head Island, SC, in 2001, John continued to make a difference in his community. He served on the Board of Directors for both the Hilton Head Island Boys and Girls Club, chairing the Program and Education Committee, and the Lowcountry Boys and Girls Club. For his exceptional service, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America honored him with the National Medallion award.

 

An active member of the Indigo Run Golf Club, he cherished his time on the course and valued the friendships he made. His passion for challenge and fitness led him to complete the Beach Bum Triathlon on Hilton Head Island twice, the last at age 81 in 2016. He won his age group both times.

 

John is survived by his wife of 42 years, Martha (Marty) Warner Preston of Hilton Head Island, SC; his daughter, Debra Setters; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Barbara Hill and Beth Owens.

 

A lifelong learner and educator, he was always eager to explore new subjects and learn from the experiences of others. He had a genuine curiosity about people’s careers and life paths, believing that a quality education is the cornerstone of meaningful work and a fulfilling life. 

 

John was an unusually patient listener and was known for his integrity, strategic thinking, intelligence, insight, strength, humor and generosity. He was a mentor and friend to many. He had the rare ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued, never meeting a stranger.

 

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. 

 

Please consider a donation to your favorite charity in John’s honor.