William Preston DeLoach, Sr., age 90, of Jackson, Tennessee, passed away on April 25, 2026, after a life marked by faith, hard work, family devotion, and a genuine love for people.

He was born on August 26, 1935, in Madison County, Tennessee, the son of the late William Rooker and Maxine Simmons DeLoach. From his early days he carried with him the values of perseverance, kindness, and community. He attended the former Lambuth College, where he continued to build the foundation for a life of service and accomplishment. A Christian by faith, he lived in a manner that reflected his beliefs and the quiet strength of his character.

As a young man, Preston began working in the family-owned Simmons Shoe Store in Humboldt, where he learned the importance of responsibility and customer service. He also spent time selling insurance, gaining experience that would serve him well in his future endeavors. He later became a realtor with Town & Country, where he worked for more than twenty years and earned numerous sales awards over the years. In every role he held, he was known for his integrity, his work ethic, and his ability to connect with others.

Preston never met a stranger, and he enjoyed conversing with old friends as well as new acquaintances. He had a warm and engaging personality that made people feel welcome in his presence. He could often be found searching for a new antique item to purchase or working his booth at Butler's Antique Mall, where he took great pleasure in the hunt for unique treasures. He also enjoyed traveling to the mountains, bird hunting, fishing, and taking in a good basketball game. He especially enjoyed watching the Lady Bulldogs at Union University and the Lady Vols in Knoxville, whether in person or on television.

Family was central to Preston's life, and he treasured the many generations that surrounded him. He is survived by his wife of thirty-five years, Mary Michael DeLoach; his children, Bill DeLoach and wife Jenny, Bob DeLoach and wife Mary Beth, Barry DeLoach and wife Sandy, and Nancy Sims and husband Dr. Bill; his brothers, Jerry DeLoach, Mickey DeLoach, and Johnny DeLoach; twelve grandchildren; and twenty-one great-grandchildren. He was deeply proud of his family and found great joy in their accomplishments, their gatherings, and the bonds they shared.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Harry DeLoach and a sister, Gayle DeLoach Harrison.

SERVICES: A time with family and friends will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors. A Graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Ridgecrest Cemetery, with Dr. Bill Sims officiating.

Pallbearers will be Ben DeLoach, Rob DeLoach, David DeLoach, Taylor DeLoach, Will DeLoach and Drew Sims.

Honorary pallbearers will be Trey Harrison, Matt Houston and Ben Strange.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers that memorials be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Those who knew Preston will remember him as a man of steady presence and generous spirit. He had a way of making others feel valued, and his conversation, humor, and friendliness left a lasting impression. He approached life with optimism and a practical wisdom that came from years of experience, and he remained active and engaged in the things he loved for as long as he was able.