January 13, 2021, 65, La Grange –

Preston Edward Elmore, 65, walked away from this world into eternity on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. The bonds of sickness from Huntington’s Disease were released and his soul is traveling free from struggle. Preston was born in Greene County to the late Sidney Albert and Rosa Faye Taylor Elmore on February 24, 1955.

Of the many loves in Preston’s life, his 20-year career in the Air Force ranked near the top. His service to our country and his fellow man was ingrained into his very being, and his selflessness extended to all. He truly believed that the airmen with whom he served were part of his family, and he treated them as such. They were always welcomed around his table, and he ensured that each member of his team was treated fairly. His motto started with his time in the Air Force and extended throughout life: “As long as you take care of your people, they’ll take care of you.”

Preston’s service went beyond the Air Force into the volunteer fire department, where he served for many years. No matter the town in which he lived at the time, Preston made sure to join and serve with his fellow volunteer firemen.

Walking was Preston’s favorite form of transportation. He could walk faster than many people could run, and this ability captured the nickname of “Mr. Big Bucks” for him while in service. He often joked that he got paid “the big bucks” because of his speed. As he traveled down the road on which he lived for daily walks, he would take time to pick up the litter that was left by passersby to protect and beautify our town.

As someone always on the go, Preston couldn’t stand to sit still. Anything he could do outdoors would suit him, and riding bikes with his kids was priceless. It was nothing for him to get in the car and just go, no matter the destination. The return trip home would always follow a different route, taking time to enjoy the splendor of the countryside.

One of the best decisions of Preston’s life was deciding to go on a blind date with Barbara Moore. The two were perfect for each other and enjoyed a marriage that lasted nearly forty years. A true romantic, Preston would leave Post-It notes all around for Barbara to find. From the refrigerator to her lunch box, there was no telling where he may have placed them. Barbara still finds them all around the house as his love for her continues.

Family was important to Preston, and he treated his in-laws just as if they were his very own. Sunday dinner with his mother-in-law was an event to which he looked forward each week. He loved her dearly and enjoyed the time spent there with Barbara’s family.

A service to celebrate and remember Preston’s life will be held at Rouse Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2021. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Interment will be held at the Eastern Carolina Veterans Cemetery in Elroy at 12:00 noon following the service.

Preston is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Barbara M. Elmore; children, Michael Elmore, and Pam Moore; grandchildren, Michelle Elmore, Matthew Howard, Kristen Howard, and Jeremiah Howard; sisters-in-law, Brenda Taylor and husband Jeffrey and Phyllis Lane and husband Ronnie; brothers-in-law Wayne Moore and Edward Moore and wife, Tammy; two dear friends, Paul and Diane Hayes; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Preston was preceded in death by his best friend, Dwight Wesfall. The two attended basic training together and became lifelong friends. They are now reunited together where they can enjoy eating macaroni and cheese and hot dogs again.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, 505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 902, New York, NY 10018 or www.hdsa.org. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.