Harry Martin Preston, 95

McMinnville resident and Cannon County native Harry Martin Preston, 95, was born Nov. 26, 1930 and died Dec. 12, 2025 at the Webb House following a brief illness.

Mr. Preston served in the U.S. Army as a machinist specialist. After the service, he worked at Powermatic in the machine shop and was later the manager of Park Theater for ten years, where many people remember him working the ticket office and concession stand. While working at Park Theater, he graduated from MTSU with his Bachelor's degree in 1971. Afterwards, he went to work for Cumberland Lumber and Mfg. for twenty-five years, where he retired as president of the company. He also served as president of the National Oak Flooring Mfg. Association during that time.

He was dedicated to the Rotary International service club, where he served as president of McMinnville Rotary, was the Rotary Committee Chairman for the establishment of the Warren County Interact Club from 1969 until 1977, and organized the McMinnville Rotary Breakfast Club that was chartered in 1985. He was also a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International.

Mr. Preston coached the First Baptist Church Girls Softball team from 1969 until 1975, as well as played men's softball and basketball. He enjoyed playing golf and when he retired, he and Betty moved to Lake Tansi, Crossville, Tn to live near the golf course. He was an avid fan of the University of Tennessee Volunteer's football, basketball, baseball and softball teams. He and Betty loved to travel extensively. Harry was a very outgoing person who spread joy to those around him.

Mr. Preston was preceded in death by his parents, Hervey M. and Verna Griffith Preston; wife, Betty Sue Preston; daughter, Lynn Woodlee; brother, James Preston; sister, Margaret Preston Gilley and son-in-law, Ernest Frankenberg.

He is survived by his loving children, Deborah Frankenberg, of McMinnville, Cynthia Preston of McMinnville, Gerlinde (Bobby) Rogers-Eslick of Mulberry, Tenn., Dusty (Kim) Woodlee of Orlando, Fla. and Cindy (Mark) Huth of Chattanooga; grandchildren, Michael (Talitha) Oettinger, Jr. of Murfreesboro; great grandchildren, Lucy Oettinger and Berean Oettinger; special friends, Nathan, Aaron, & Matthew Davenportand and several nieces and nephews.

Per his wishes, Mr. Preston was cremated. His family will have a Graveside Service on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 at 1 p.m. at Gardens of Memory Cemetery with Paul Roberts officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow at Helen's on the Green at 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

The family would like to thank Webb House and Genitive Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to McMinnville Rotary, the Warren County Interact Club or Magness Library.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home and High's Cremations, Inc. are in charge of arrangements.

Main Street Journal

Dec. 18, 2025