Pastor Preston Garrett Church, 88, of Weaverville, went to be with his Savior, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, July 10, 2026. He was a son of the late Walter “Bill” and Velvie Metcalf Church and a native of Madison County, having lived most of his life in Buncombe County. In 2000, Preston retired from Drexel Heritage, after 36 years of employment. He was the pastor at Walnut Freewill Baptist Church for 41 years of ministry. He gave his last sermon on Father’s Day, and the church recognized him as Pastor Emeritus, of which he was most honored. Preston was an avid wood worker, talented musician, and loved to squirrel hunt.

Preston lived his life serving the Lord faithfully, he always put God first, his loving wife second, and family third.

Preston is preceded in death by his soulmate and wife for almost 70 years, Margaret Smith Church, an infant sister, Palma Church, and brother Paul Church.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Joy Sprinkle (Danny), and Gwen Church; grandchildren. Toni Brosnan (Walter), Monica Knighten (Jamie), Jessice Cline (Hunter), Emily Bateman (JT), and Jordan Church (Kasey); great grandchildren, Taylor Gordon (Drew), Caroline and Bryan Brosnan, Anna Cuthbertson (Justin), Allyson and Autumn Knighten, Emma and Elijah Cline, Montana Bateman, and Grace Church; great-great- grandchildren, Garrett, Graham, Grayson, Alaina, Elijah, Ava, Eden, and Laylah; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 1pm Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service. Reverends Bobby Smith and Charlie Chandler will officiate. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Burial will follow in Tildon-Metcalf Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 11:30-1pm Tuesday, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Walnut Freewill Baptist Church in Preston’s memory, c/o Susie Shelton, 117 Woods Ammons Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org