Preston Hawkins Smith, Jr.

PRESTON HAWKINS SMITH JR. was born in Columbus, Ohio on Thursday, March 17, 1955. He was the son of Erma Lee Thomas and Preston Hawkins Smith, Sr. “Happy,” as he was fondly called by family and friends, received his formal education from Columbus City Schools and was a graduate of Central High School. Preston served in the United States Army, where he was a Private First-Class, stationed at Fort Sam in Houston, Texas. In the military, Preston trained as a physician’s assistant. Honorably discharged, Preston continued in the medical field. He was employed as a Surgical Scrub Technician at Mercy Hospital and Mt. Carmel Hospital. Preston retired with thirty years of service. Because he loved to travel across the United States, Preston earned his CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) and began a new career as a truck driver. In his leisure, Preston enjoyed fishing, camping, and was an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes for he loved football and basketball. However, spending time with his family was his greatest joy. Preston loved the Lord and professed the Christian Faith. Our beloved Preston “Happy” H. Smith Jr. entered eternal rest on Sunday, August 1, 2021. He was sixty-six years of age. In addition to his parents, Preston was preceded in death by his sisters, Cora L. Day and Debra J. Smith. Loving memories are cherished by his son, Preston Hawkins Smith III; daughters, Adrionna Tucker and Kiara Thompson; granddaughters, Rylen Elliot and Ayaniah M. Thompson; twin granddaughters, Nila and Nova Smith; brother, Joe L. (Rhonda) Day; sister, Pamela L. Britton-Smith; former wife, Jacqueline D. Smith; many other family members and loving friends.