Ray Preston

                   Ray E. Preston, 74, of Paintsville, Ky., died Saturday, March 23, 2002, after an extended illness.   

                     Mr. Preston was a retired businessman and three-time sheriff of Johnson County.  He is survived by his wife, Jane Siler Preston; and three children, Ray E. Preston II, Cathy Meadows and Rick Preston, all of Paintsville. A sister, Hermalee Samons of Alpharetta, Ga., also survives him. Ray was blessed with eight grandchildren; five great-granddaughters; and one great-grandson.

                    Ray E. Preston was a son of the lateCharles E. and Lesta Preston, former owners of Preston Funeral Home in Paintsville. Besides his parents, two brothers, Hansel Preston and Charles Donald Preston, preceded Ray in death. Visitation began at 6 p.m. Monday, March 25, 2002, at the Preston Funeral Home on Main Street, Paintsville. Services by Keen Johnson of Mt. Sterling, Ky., will be  held on Wednesday, March 27, 2002, at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at  Lakeview Cemetery in Staffordsville. All arrangements are under the direction of Preston Funeral Home.