Rodney Clyde Preston

Rodney Clyde Preston, 65, of Rio Rancho, NM, formerly of Houma, LA and Justin, TX, passed away at his home on Friday, August 2, 2019 after a lengthy illness. He was born Wednesday, June 23, 1954 in Ruston, LA to Clyde Newton Preston and Virginia Gray Preston.

Rodney took great pride in being a US Army veteran. He had worked offshore, as a truck driver, and in manufacturing. Rodney was an outdoorsman who loved hunting. He was an avid shooter, particularly enjoying his black powder firearms. Rodney was a lover of books and history, especially that of the American frontier. He possessed extensive knowledge of backwoods skills, as well as military and American Indian traditions. Rodney was a member of First Baptist Church of Houma, LA. Although he was not inclined to speak much about his personal faith, those who have known him best recognize the importance to him of his relationship with God. Likewise, family was always his greatest priority. Rodney will be remembered for his generosity, and his love of teasing his family.

He is survived by his siblings, Paula (Steve) Shewmake of Rio Rancho, NM, Terry (Dalinda) Preston of Houma, LA, Patti (Kirk) Hill, of Rio Rancho, NM, and Danny (Kim) Preston of McKinney, TX; nieces, Darah ( Brandon) LeBlanc of Houma, LA, Lauren Preston of Birmingham, AL, Leah Preston of McKinney, TX, and Melanie (Seth) Bloesser of Redfield, KS; nephews, Preston Hill and Brandon Hill of Rio Rancho, NM; great-nieces and great-nephew, Alayna Mason, Sophia LeBlanc, Maddie Ard, Kendyl Bloesser, MaKinlee Bloesser, and Rheason Bloesser; and step-son, Travis Edwards. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, King Gray and Willie Mae (King) Gray and Jesse Preston and Theodocia (Perdue) Preston; by one infant nephew, Terry Gray Preston, Jr.; and one infant niece, Emely Claire Preston.

Rodney bravely fought his terminal illness for over 20 years showing his family what acceptance and courage looked like on a daily basis. The family wishes to thank Dr. Ralph Bourgeois, the late Dr. Mike Ellender, and their staff for many years of care they provided for Rodney. We also want to thank Presbyterian Hospice of Rio Rancho, NM and the wonderful caregivers who assisted us these past six months.

2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2019, 10:00 a.m., at FRENCH – Rio Rancho.  Interment will be held on Monday, August 19, 2019, 9:45 a.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

FRENCH – Rio Rancho

(Unser Blvd. north of Northern)

1275 Unser Blvd, NE

Rio Rancho, NM 87144

(505) 338-2000