Preston Hale May 5, 1958 – July 17, 2026

Preston Hale, 68, passed away suddenly, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, hard work, and a life well lived.

Born on May 5, 1958, in Milan, Tennessee, Preston was lovingly raised by his grandparents, O.P. and Doris Hale, whose guidance helped shape the kind and genuine man he became.

Preston was preceded in death by his father, John Oliver Hale, and his mother, Karen Daseler. He is survived by his sister, Allison Hale Wilson, who will forever cherish the memories they shared.

Farming wasn’t just Preston’s career—it was in his blood. He began working on his family’s farm before attending Memphis Cotton School, which led to a successful 20-year career in corporate cotton management with Dunavant Cotton. He eventually returned to Milan, where he spent 17 years with Shoaf Farms, reconnecting with the community and work he loved.

While Preston worked hard, he knew how to enjoy life. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and golfing. A proud member of the Milan Country Club, he enjoyed time on the course and served on the club’s board. Whether he was in a duck blind, on the lake, or playing golf with friends, Preston was happiest outdoors and surrounded by good company.

His greatest joy was his family.

Preston was the proud father of two daughters, Maggie Clarke (Lewis) and Lucy Hale. He celebrated their accomplishments and took great pride in the women they became.

In 2008, he married the love of his life, Stacy. Their 18 years together were filled with laughter, adventure, friendship, and countless memories. Just two days before his passing, they celebrated their anniversary. Preston brought a special kind of fun and unconditional love to their marriage, and Stacy will forever cherish the life they built together.

Through his marriage to Stacy, Preston gained three more daughters—Lindsay (Sid), Rachel (Micah), and Meredith (Karter)—whom he loved as his own. With Stacy and his family he proudly worshiped at Milan Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He was a devoted husband, father, and source of encouragement to all five of his daughters.

Preston was also the proud “P Daddy” to nine grandchildren: Glenys (11), Lula (10), and Oliver Clarke (6); Charles Ford (12), William (8), and Ingram Crocker (6); Molly (2), Margot Atkins (5 months), and Mack Blount (6 months). His grandchildren brought him endless happiness, and some of his favorite moments were spent pulling them on the tube at Kentucky Lake. Their place at Britton Ford was a gathering place filled with family, friends, good food, music, and memories.

To know Preston was to know someone who made people feel welcome. He never met a stranger and had a gift for making others laugh and feel at ease. His smile, humor, and larger-than-life personality left a lasting impression. He loved to dance, sing, and enjoy music, always bringing his full spirit to every moment.

Preston leaves behind a family who will miss him deeply, countless friends who will miss his stories and laughter, and a community forever grateful to have known him.

His legacy lives on through the fields he tended, the family he cherished, the love he shared with Stacy, the friendships he built, and the memories created on golf courses, in duck blinds, on Kentucky Lake, and around tables filled with food, music, and laughter.

A life well lived is measured not by years, but by the impact made on others. By that measure, Preston Hale lived an extraordinary one.

The community of Milan and all who knew Preston are invited to remember and honor his life at the Milan Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 6083 South 1st Street, Milan, TN 38358. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and again on Wednesday, July 22, from 12:00 to 1:30 PM with funeral service immediately following at 1:30 PM