James Preston Wilkes

 Preston Wilkes of Hudson, North Carolina on 04/04/2026 at 7 a.m. went for a walk with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Everyone who knew Preston knew that his main goal was to serve his Lord. Preston was born in Jacksonville, Florida on 11/20/1950 to parents Richard and Rossie Wilkes. Preston was a meat cutter by trade and had a long tenured career with several grocery chains, ending with Food Lion in the mountains of North Carolina. He had a lifelong love of the mountains starting as a young boy visiting with his family. Preston was an accomplished guitarist, singer, and wrote several gospel songs. Preston will always be remembered as a lover of GOD first and then his family, starting with the love of his life of 44 years, Lucy, and his extended family. Preston was preceded in death by his loving parents Richard and Rossie Wilkes, what a celebration that is taking place in heaven today.

Preston is survived by his bride of 44 years Lucy Wilkes, daughter Cindy (Josh) of Cajah’s Mountain, North Carolina, brother Rick (Sheryl) of Yulee, Florida, sister Frances (Ralph) of Fernandina Beach, Florida.3 grandsons, Trevor (Allie) of Dalton Pa., Jordan of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Josh of Cajah’s Mountain North Carolina, 5 nieces, 7 great nieces and nephews, and 3 great-great nieces and nephews to whom he will always be Uncle Pepe. Those that knew this man knew that they had a friend and a brother in Christ for eternity, Preston always had a friendly, encouraging, and a spirit led hello or reply.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 am at Evans Funeral Home 1070 Taylorsville Rd. SE, Lenoir North Carolina 28645