Preston Mickens was born February 1, 1937, in Laurens, South Carolina, to Thomas Mickens and Mary Jones Mickens. He transitioned to his eternal home Friday, August 16, 2024.

Preston lived most of his life in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and graduated from Carver High School. He married Bessie Chandler Mickens. To this union, five children were born. Preston joined the United States Air Force in 1957 and served faithfully until 1962, receiving an honorable discharge. Upon returning from serving in the Air Force, Preston was employed at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for over 30 years. After retiring from R.J. Reynolds, he began a second career at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Winston-Salem, NC. Preston served the church for over fifteen years until he retired in 2016. He was also the owner of Mickey's Tavern on N. Liberty Street in Winston-Salem, NC.

Preston had many talents and skills. He was an avid gardener, farmer, landscaper, carpenter, handyman and bricklayer. His yard was always immaculate, and he was awarded "Yard of the Month" by his children. He enjoyed helping others and assisted family, friends and neighbors with any help they needed in any way he could until his health declined.

Preston was proud of his children and grandchildren. He encouraged them to relentlessly pursue their dreams and goals. He loved attending sporting events, recognitions, and celebrations for his grandchildren and other family gatherings. Preston was a member of the James H. Young Memorial Masonic Lodge, #670 – Prince Hall Affiliate.

Preston was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Mickens, Sr.; his mother, Mary Jones Mickens; his brother, Thomas Mickens, Jr.; two sisters, Betty Manning and Mary Mickens Hairston; and his former wife, Bessie Chandler Mickens.

Preston leaves to cherish his memory his children, Preston L. (Beatrice) Mickens of Charlotte, NC, Prescott Z. Mickens of Winston-Salem, NC, Prestina Mickens Hazlett of Durham, NC, Prenessa (David) Lowery of Raleigh, NC, Prenard (Omorlie) Mickens of Greensboro, NC, and Michael Cunningham of Winston-Salem, NC; his sister, Ella Mickens O'Neil of Winston-Salem, NC; nine grandchildren, Monica (Theodore) Darden, Picasso (Julie) Mickens, Dion (Michael) Dijon, Sasha (Elliot) Smith, David D. Lowery, III, Prenessa D. Lowery, Joshua D. Hazlett, Chandler H. Mickens, and Chase R. Mickens; six great grandchildren, Micah Darden, Marcus Darden, Taylor Darden, LyMyah Smith, Alexander Mickens, and Dionne Dinkin; He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

A special thanks is extended to Denis William, Ayodele Christopher and Angela Boulware of ConForCare Home Care, Winston-Salem, NC for their dedicated care of Preston. The family would like to acknowledge The Shepherd's Center of Greater Winston-Salem, Carolina Custom Transportation, and the Veteran's Administration (VA) Clinic – Kernersville, NC for their medical treatment and care.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Friday, August 23, 2024 at Mount Zion Baptist Church, Winston-Salem. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 10:00am until 11:00am on Friday at the Church.  Masonic Rites will be given by James H. Young Memorial Lodge #670 from 9:30am until 10:00am on Friday at the Church.