Preston Lewis White passed away on January 15, 2026 in Tryon, N.C. at the age of 80.

Preston was born on August 9, 1945 in Rutherfordton, N.C. to Bill and Bernice White.

He worked as a lineman for BellSouth/AT&T for 26 years. During that time, he served as a union representative for the Communications Workers of America and was a president of the Shelby chapter. After retiring, Preston became the owner and operator of AAA airport shuttle services. Before long, many of his loyal customers became close friends.

If there was an opportunity to get involved with the community, Preston was there. He was a volunteer with the Green Creek Fire Department and a first responder, and was a member in good standing with the Polk County Unity Lodge. Preston also chartered the first four Little League baseball teams in Green Creek in 1980.

Preston had a lifelong love for agriculture. He was proud to carry on his father’s legacy as a small family farmer raising cattle. He was always engaged in the local farming community from the time he was a leader of the Polk County 4-H Dairy Club in high school to his membership in the Ruritan Club.

Famously outgoing, nothing made Preston happier than when he’d happen to see an old friend out and about and he’d get to catch up with them. He was also always ready to talk politics (whether you wanted to or not). Preston was a valued, longtime member of the Polk County Democratic Party, and was elected Chair of the Green Creek precinct from 2015-2025.

But out of everything he did throughout his life, Preston would say his greatest achievement was marrying his wife, Margaret Bell, in 1974. They each brought two children to the marriage: Preston’s sons, Thomas and Keith White (Marsha); and Maggie’s daughters, Wendi Owens (Dale) and Kerry Arrowood (Jeff).

Preston is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Bernice; first cousin, Elliott Johnson; and grandson, Trevor Arrowood. He is survived by his spouse, Maggie; first cousin, Teresa Taylor Whitt; and four grandchildren, Sherry White Wilson, Madison Arrowood, Lily Owens Painter, and Holden Owens.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. at McFarland Funeral Chapel in Tryon, N.C. on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

The family will receive friends before the service from 9:00-9:45 a.m.

Burial will be at Green Creek First Baptist Church Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity organization Preston founded in memory of his grandson, Trevor’s Gift Scholarship Program, by visiting https://trevorsgift.com/donate; or to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.