Preston Charles Pettit

Preston Charles Pettit, born September 19, 1986, and raised in Dallas, Texas, passed away October 31, 2024, following a vehicle accident along U.S. Hwy 67 in Cedar Hill, Texas. Preston, a resident of Cleburne, Texas, was on his way to Dallas to vote and visit his dad in the hospital.

Preston was truly one of a kind.  He is remembered as generous, kind-hearted, funny, humble, eager to lend a hand or do a favor, and keenly interested in others. He was a go-getter and loved all things about cars, science, history, music, photography, and pets. He brought an unusually strong moral compass to all aspects of life.

Preston was a devoted son and grandson, a beloved brother, a cherished nephew and cousin, and a caring brother-in-law. He was a good friend to many and was dedicated to his colleagues both in and outside of work. He was a good neighbor, helping however he could. Those who knew him appreciated his unassuming kindness, mechanical talents, and vast knowledge.

Preston attended Dallas Public Schools: Kramer Elementary School, Benjamin Franklin Middle School, and the School of Science and Engineering Magnet; he graduated from Hillcrest High School in 2005. He earned his BA in Philosophy and Environmental Science from Austin College and continued further studies at University of Texas at Arlington and Dallas College Brookhaven where he earned several ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications.  During his academic years, Preston was involved in many activities including Academic Pentathlon, Science Fair, photography, choir, theater, swimming, and art.

Throughout his life Preston was a volunteer, including work with The Science Place, Habitat for Humanity, the Farmers Branch Historical Park, and Boston Terrier Rescue of North Texas. He was recognized as Outstanding Volunteer of the Year by Habitat for Humanity, Grayson County and received the New Volunteer Award from the Farmers Branch Historical Park. After Hurricanes Katrina and Ike, he was active in relief missions to New Orleans and Galveston, searching for survivors and providing urgent support by helping build temporary shelters and supplying essential services. His time in New Orleans forged a lifelong connection to the city and its people. Through his volunteer work with Boston Terrier Rescue of North Texas, he fostered dogs waiting for forever homes. He ultimately adopted Buster and then Taco who were dear to him.

Following college, Preston was an AmeriCorps VISTA Team Member with the Boys and Girls Club of El Paso, the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas, and Cornerstone Assistance Network in Fort Worth.  Always industrious, Preston's professional life included working for Cartus, AAA, Pep Boys, National Tire and Battery, Vertek and most recently National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) both in Indiana and Cleburne, Texas where he was a Quality Control Inspector.

Preston found joy in new projects, often volunteering to help friends and family with vehicle repairs or even just moving furniture. His favorite endeavor was restoring a classic 1995 black 2-door Chevrolet Tahoe, a beloved vehicle he shared with his sister throughout their school years and became symbolic of his down-to-earth nature. His latest venture was a classic 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder, a testament to his love for unique cars. Preston was very creative, often devising new features for his vehicles and constructing furniture.

Preston’s passions extended to food; he delighted in hamburgers, Tex-Mex, and all types of Asian dishes shared with friends from his time at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Preston was the cherished son of Sandra and Jess Pettit, brother to Megan Wern (Evan), all of Dallas; nephew to George McVey (Nancy), Robert (Laveta) Pettit, and Charles “Sonny” (Barbara) Pettit. He will also be deeply missed by his cousin, Stephanie McVey.  Preston was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dorothy and Charles Pettit of Mission, Texas and Thelma and Lt. Col. (retired) George McVey of McAllen, Texas.

Preston’s family is extremely grateful to the volunteers who rendered aid at the accident site.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate Preston’s life on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Allen Family Funeral Options. If you wish to join the service via webcast, please visit: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/106500

A reception will follow.

In Preston’s memory, donations may be made to Boston Terrier Rescue of North Texas (BTRNT), P.O. Box 867376, Plano, Texas 75086, [email protected] .