George Kline Preston, III

George Kline Preston III was born July 3, 1939, to George Kline Preston, Jr. and Thelma Preston of Knoxville, TN. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 7, 2025.

Known by all as “Pete,” he earned this nickname as a baby when his doctor once said: “When I birthed you, if I knew I was going to be spending so much time with you, I would’ve named you.” Dr. Peters often referred to him as “Pete” and the name eventually stuck for life.

Pete spent his early years in Elkmont, Tennessee until the park closed during World War II. It was there he developed a lifelong love for the mountains. Every year he would spend three months in the Smokies roaming freely and creating his own trails.

After graduating from Young High School in 1957, Pete was drafted into the Army in 1959. Upon completion of Basic Training at Fort Benning. Pete was sent as a medic to Augsburg, Germany.

In the spring of 1960, Pete had a spiritual encounter with Jesus Christ and accepted Him as his Savior. The following year Pete felt called to ministry. Discharged from active duty in 1961, he enrolled at the University of Tennessee, where he met his future wife, Ann Hawk of Cleveland, Tennessee.

Pete and Ann were married on August 24, 1963. Pete graduated Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and later earning a Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary. In 1967 he returned to active duty as a U.S. Army Chaplain, serving in:

• Fort Bragg, NC – 82nd Airborne 1967-1968
• Vietnam – 101st Airborne 1968-1969
• Fort Eustis, VA 1969 – 1970

For the next 54 years, Pete served as a pastor across North Carolina, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. During his first pastorate in 1981, he earned his Doctorate from Columbia Seminary. His ministry roles included Church Pastor, Hospital Chaplain, Hospice Chaplain, Law Enforcement Chaplain, and Volunteer Counselor with the Red Cross. He retired in 2005 but continued to serve in interim roles and chaplaincies. After returning to Blount County, Pete reconnected with Military Veterans through a fellowship group that became dear to him.

Pete’s life was filled with adventure and purpose. His journeys took him around the world and through all 50 states. A true outdoorsman, he hiked more than 100 trails in the Smoky Mountains and came close to completing the entire Appalachian Trail. At home he found joy in his workshop crafting pens, bowls and furniture from carefully chosen pieces of wood while always having a Vols game playing in the background from his shop overlooking the Tennessee River and Smoky Mountains.

Pete leaves behind a legacy of love, faithfulness, and strength that will continue to inspire his family and community for generations. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Ann Hawk Preston; his son, George Kline Preston IV and wife Tiffany with their three sons George Kline Preston V and wife Madeline, Warren Preston, and Knox Preston; his daughter Kathryn Baumann and her four children Amber Kaddour and husband Brian, Heather Baumann, Zachary Baumann, Celeste Baumann; great grandchildren Linkin Kaddour and Aurora Kaddour; his sister Phoebe Brinskelli; his cousin Dr. Jack Lacey and wife Sylvia.

Pete’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM EST at New Providence Presbyterian Church, 703 West Broadway Avenue, Maryville, TN 37801.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Veterans Coffee Fellowship P.O. Box 4686 Maryville, TN 37802