Preston Eugene Powers

HENDERSON- Mr. Preston Eugene Powers, 100, died February 8, 2025 at his home. Born in Lee County on August 26, 1924, he was the son of the late Lloyd Worth Powers and Bertha Pickard Powers. Preston was part of the “Greatest Generation” and a part of the famous Henderson High School Class of 1942. While at Henderson High School he was captain of the school’s only undefeated football team. In the fall of 1942, Preston was awarded a football scholarship to the University of Georgia but upon getting to campus, he was recruited to play baseball instead. He was a Veteran of the US Army serving in World War II. After returning home from World War II, he graduated with a master’s degree in education from Appalachian State University where he did indeed play football. Following graduation, he taught at Cool Springs High School in Forest City where he was also a successful football coach. He also taught at Townsville High School. Preston was the original owner and operator of Freeze Maid in Henderson. He was the principal of Clark Street School, the former Central Elementary School, and was the first principal E.M. Rollins Elementary School, where he worked in that capacity for twenty years. He also was an assistant superintendent of Lee County Schools for a period of time and was instrumental in the founding of Vance Academy, presently Kerr Vance Academy, where he worked as the first Headmaster. Preston was a member of First Baptist Church Henderson, as well as the Henderson Country Club and a former member of the Henderson Rotary Club. Memorial services will be held at First Baptist Church Friday, February 14, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. by Dr. Ronald S. Cava. He is survived by his sister, Annie Lou P. Wright of Wake Forest; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Preston was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Burton Powers; his daughter, Donna Elizabeth Powers; his son, Preston E. “Rock” Powers, Jr.; two brothers, George Powers and Glenn Powers; and his step-daughter, Julia A. Horner. The family wishes to extend great appreciation for the wonderful care shown to Preston over the past several years by his caregivers. The family will receive friends following the service on Friday in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Frances Abbot Burton Powers Endowment C/O North Carolina Community Foundation, 3737 Glenwood Ave. Suite 460, Raleigh, NC 27612 or online at Frances A. Burton Powers Endowment NC Community Foundation.