Name:

Bryan Crews-CLASS OF 85

E-mail address:

evil66ford@hotmail.com

Comments:

Well today's the one year anniversary of your death. PRESTON, I miss you ALOT! I can't believe its already a year since the LORD took you away. I know your in a far, far better place, and I hope to one day join you, but man its hard. You are so missed by your family and friends. I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you on this , the anniversary of your passing. GODSPEED my friend, may you continue playing in the all-star heavenly band! LOVE, MARTIN.

Name:

Phyllis Coleman

E-mail address:

whalewatchers@wmconnect.com

Comments:

Hello to everyone, thank you all for the wonderful words about my son Preston. He is still right beside me...I just can't see him. He went from being first trumpet at his beloved BHS Band, to first trumpet in USMC Band. Now I know he's playing in the highest band there is! Preston is now enjoying a chair...maybe beside Gabriel!!!!!He can no longer walk into our homes, but one day we can walk in his. Looking forward to a GRAND REUNION!!! LOVE, AND HONORED TO BE PRESTON'S MOM. PHYLLIS COLEMAN

Name:

Bryan Crews

E-mail address:

evil66ford@hotmail.com

Comments:

My name is Bryan Crews. Also known to Preston and the Coleman's as: MARTIN. I first met Preston while i was in the marching band in 1981.He was only in Middle School!!!! Preston was so good, that Mr. Shoe let him play with the High School Band! I knew Preston through BHS and then again through CVCC. I became fast friends with Preston and all of the Coleman's. Preston was like a brother to me, he was one of my closest friends. I talked to Preston every week, right up until his death. For those of you who knew Preston, you are truly blessed. For those of you who didn't, you truly missed out on one of GOD'S SPECIAL FEW! Preston was the nicest, kindest guys anyone could know. He was the LIFE OF THE PARTY anywhere he went. Preston was at home anywhere. He could be playing trumpet for a black-tie gala, or be listening to JOHNNY PAYCHECK with some of his bud's at a party and still be the same guy! He truly never met a stranger and he truly had no enemies. How many of us can say that? What impressed me most about Preston though was his unwavering belief and convictions in GOD. Preston would talk about GOD to anyone and everyone who would listen. He didnt just call himself a Christian, he lived it .Now dont get me wrong...we raised some cane and got into all types of stuff, but it was harmless. Today would have been Preston's 35th birthday! He was a loving, caring father to his 2 children and to his loving wife Terry. He was a friend's friend who anybody would love to have. He was a consummate trumpet player who played over 1600 funerals for the AMERICAN LEGION and for the USMC in QUANTICO. It's just too hard to try to sum up all the stories and the honors and the feelings about this man into one sitting. Just know that Preston will always live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. For those who did, please remember Oct.16 (birthday) and OCT.30 (death). Also, please remember his wife and 2 small girls and remember his loving parents (TOM & PHYLLIS) and his brothers (ANDY & MATT). SO LONG BROTHER, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART AND MY MIND. I THINK ABOUT YOU AND PRAY FOR YOU EVERYDAY. I WILL KEEP ON TELLING EVERYONE ABOUT THE MAN, THE LEGEND, AND THE HERO KNOWN AS PRESTON COLEMAN!

Name:

Blake Heptinstall

E-mail address:

poochie188@aol.com

Comments:

Preston was a good friend of my dads J.C. Heptinstall, i got to talk to him the summer before he died. I dont remember much about him, but i know he was a good person, an im glad i got to know him.

Name:

Mike Powell

E-mail address:

mikeadams@k92mail.com

Comments:

I suppose I'm one of the many who just haven't kept up with what has happened to our BHS classmates, and as I've just learned of Preston's passing, it's hard to find the words to say just how much he will be missed. I was just looking through old yearbooks last night, and it struck me that many of the faces were of ones who were taken from us. It made me wonder what had happened to the many people I hadn't seen or spoken to, but I was totally unprepared to discover that we had lost one of Brookville's true individuals.

As a member of the class of 1989, I knew Matt since Tomahawk, met Andy at BMS, and eventually crossed paths with Preston at BHS. Preston was one of a kind, and it seemed like whenever he was around, life was anything but boring. I didn't have an abundance of friends during my time at Brookville, and while we weren't close, Preston was someone who welcomed anyone he came in contact with, no matter where they stood in the high school social structure.

My heartfelt condolences to the Coleman family.

Mike Powell
BHS Class of 1989

 

Name:

Sandi Walsh Rutledge

E-mail address:

srutledge@harristrucking.com

Comments:

I knew Preston through dating JC after they all graduated from Brookville. I graduated in 82. After we lost JC and Freddy, I sat with the pallbearers at JC's funeral and Preston sat in front of me. Preston put his arm over the pew and held my hand the entire time. It was Preston who gave out "It's a boy" cigars the day Blake was born. My heart aches for all the Colemans. It seems time has taken away so many of that class. I think of Preston often and am glad Blake got to know him. I had spoken to Preston in June 2003 when my father passed away and had asked him if he would play "Taps" at my dad's funeral. He was sick and couldn't get leave but I was so glad to get to tell Preston I loved him one last time. Tell JC and Freddy hi for me and save me a seat!!!

Name:

Andy Coleman

E-mail address:

acoleman@campbell.k12.va.us

Comments:

Preston I was just thinking about you this week and wanted to say everyone misses you and loves you so much. Your memory lives with me everyday and you are alive and well in Caty and Presleigh. Thanks for everything you have given me that I will cherish in my lifetime. Missed and loved by your family. Love Andy

Name:

Andy Coleman

E-mail address:

acoleman@campbell.k12.va.us

Comments:

Preston, I was just thinking about you and wanted to let you know I missed you and I loved you. Thank you for the great impact you have had in all area's of my life. I wish so bad that we could have 1 more conversation about anything but I know God's will is perfect and we will again.
Matt and I are taking care of the girls they are in so many ways like you and we will have that as a reminder daily. I meet people it seems everyday who in some way you touched and that makes me swell with pride cause there is always a special memory or good word said about you. I am proud to have been your brother and friend. In so many ways you are still with me so keep on talking to me I am always listening and talking back. Miss you and love you your brother Andy

Name:

Euel J Tritt

E-mail address:

euelj@netzero.net

Comments:

I got to know Preston when he worked at Quantico Marine Corps Base. He was an outstanding Marine a devoted husband and a wonderful father. He was proud to claim each of those titles and was an example for all Marines around him. He was all those things but a Christian first. He made a difference in my life and I am a better person because I knew him.

 

Name:

Terrell Salmon

E-mail address:

TAZLUVSHARLEY@AOL.COM

Comments:

UH UMM!! Well, I really can`t say much about the memories that Preston and i had. Through all of the years times for us had so often become to far and few between. Luckily, the last few months that Preston was with us, we had a couple of times to share in person and numerous conversations on the phone. I miss Preston alot the smile, the laugh, the sarcasm, the intelligent side, and just plain ol` Preston Coleman THE MAN Ill write back soon! TERRELL SALMON CLASS OF 1988

Name:

Geof Smith

E-mail address:

GKhome1@bellsouth.net

Comments:

There aren't many times anymore that I hear news from home. Plus it seems that my worst enemy in keeping up with friends from BHS is time. I just now heard of Preston's passing, and was deeply saddened. I hope that his family has a chance to read this. To me Preston, was simply, THE MAN. As much as I enjoyed playing trumpet with him in the band, my abilities and passion for what we did, could in no way, shape, or form come close to the talent, passion and dedication of Preston Coleman. I always dreamed of being able to play as well as he did. I also just read that he was in the Marine Corps Band, and am deeply proud.

I'll never forget the lasting impression he made at our Senior Prom (wasn't he in White Tails, with top hat and cane?) and even the high fashions he showed up in at our 10-year reunion.

My Mother-In-Law passed this summer and I was blessed to be able to write and deliver her eulogy. I would like to tell Preston's family and friends the same thing I said at HER funeral. "From this day forward, no matter where you go, or what you do, Keep Preston in your hearts, and he will ALWAYS be there."

God Bless You, Preston, and God Bless your Family

Sincerely,
Geof Smith
Class of 1988

Name:

Tracy (Allen) Bruce

E-mail address:

tbruce@campbell.k12.us.va

Comments:

Coleman Family Members,

Your family continues to be in my thoughts and prayers as you struggle through your grief. I wish you all the best this holiday season and pray for comfort through this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
Tracy Allen Bruce
class of '88

Name:

Andy Coleman

E-mail address:

acoleman@campbell.k12.va.us

Comments:

I just wanted to let anyone from the class of 88 know how much you all meant to Preston. The class of 88 seems to have been hit with so many premature and untimely deaths. I often think of J.C Hepinstall, Freddie Baldwin, Trevor and Dusty Warren, Carlos Watts, Troy Mckinney, the list is long but God's will is perfect and we must trust in him.
Preston I just wanted you to know I miss you so much and that I love you. Thanks for all you taught me and for everything you are to me. I am a better person, father ,husband, son brother and Christian for having you as my brother. Say Hi to Grandma for me.
Love and missed by your brother Andy.

Name:

lisa dube worley

E-mail address:

lisa.worley@us.army.mil

Comments:

i knew Preston from high school band. the first day i waked into the band room he was the first to say hi and yell at the top of his lungs " A girl trumpet player!!" i will miss him so much and my prayers go out to his wife and girls. with my husband also being 34 and in the military Active Duty, this really hits home. Please if you ever need someone to talk to or just hang out with, my number is in the book. take care and god bless! class of 91 Lisa

Name:

Rebecca Evans Phillips

E-mail address:

badibad@cs.com

Comments:

I am afraid I was twenty years ahead graduating so I did not personally know your husband. I would just like to say God Bless You All, and for all he did so we are allowed to enjoy our "every days". He will be with your daughters and you I am sure. Please accept my very heartfelt thanks for the utmost of giving to others my deepest sorrow in the pain you must live through until more gentle memories begin to come and embrace you. Thank God for men like him. My heart hurt the whole of yesterday and I only hope everyone remembers every one of our troops keeping us free. With sincere sympathy, Rebecca

Name:

Teri Coleman, Preston's wife

E-mail address:

tericoleman@express56.com

Comments:

I want to thank the countless many of you who attended the funeral and graveside services in Fredericksburg and/or the memorial service in Lynchburg at our home church. I have never been so lost in my life. My heart aches and I find it a huge struggle to get up every day. I must though, for our precious little girls. When Andy (Preston's brother) told me how wonderful the service was in Lynchburg and how to log on to this site, it made me feel a bit better. I just love to hear or read stories about my Preston. I can pass them along to my girls, who completely worshipped their daddy. (Of course, I may have to edit them a bit, given his crazy antics as a teenager.)

Thank you again to those who are praying for us. Please encourage everyone who knew Preston to write a nice memory of him on this site so I can print it out and save it for our girls. I cherish every moment I ever spent with him, as I'm sure you do as well.

Name:

Andy Coleman

E-mail address:

acoleman@campbell.k12.va.us

Comments:

I would like to thank the BHS Band and everyone who had a part in Preston's memorial service. I know he is proud. Preston was an incredible person liked by all who knew him. He touched the lives of all who came in contact with him. He was a dedicated servant of the Lord, Father to his children, husband to his wife, son to his parents, brother, and Marine.
I am very fortunate to have had the honor and pleasure to have known him for 33 years. My brother Matt and I take great pride in the fact that we not only knew him as Preston but as our Brother. Please pray daily for his Wife Terri and their daughters Caty-Scarlett and Presleigh. Preston I will forever cherish your friendship and Love Thanks for everything. Seper Fidelis My Brother and my friend. Love your brother Andy class of 88
 

Name:

Hank Howard

E-mail address:

hhoward@onealsteel.com

Comments:

To: The Coleman Family,

Preston was a great friend to everybody he knew. He will be truly missed.

Semper Fi

Hank
 

Name:

Cindy Orkin

E-mail address:

Cgorkin@aol.com

Comments:

To Preston' family:

Preston was a student of mine in math and he was a hard-working young man. I enjoyed knowing him and know he will be missed. I admired him for his ability to work hard and not give up. He was a great trumpet player and I will always remember that.

Cindy Brooks Orkin
Brookville High School