David Eugene Preast of Inverness, FL went home to be with his Lord and Saviour, his loving family by his side at Vitas Hospice on November 19, 2021 at the age of 75. He was born to the late Jennings and Elsie (Skaggs) Preast on March 6, 1946 in Crab Orchard, WV. David proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving from 1966 to 1968. Following his military service, he became a cook for the Veterans Medical Center retiring after 34 years of dedicated service. While working at the hospital he met a nurse named Pamela O’Neal whom he married one month after their meeting. They went on to share 46 years of loving marriage together. David and Pamela became Florida “snowbirds” in January of 2007 but decided to make Citrus County their permanent home later that same year. He was a Christian by faith and a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Inverness where he enjoyed attending services and fellowship with his church family. In his spare time he loved biking the Withlacoochee state trail, riding 25 to 30 miles daily except on Sunday’s. David also loved football, especially West Virginia football. He was able to do a fair amount of traveling with his wife Pam over the years and prior to their move to Florida they took many guided bus tours all over the United States. Once they made Florida their home they enjoyed taking cruises together. David loved spending time with his family and especially enjoyed family dinners and holidays. He will be remembered for his kindness, gentle spirit and warm nature. He always had a welcoming smile on his face.
In addition to his wife Pamela, those left to mourn David’s passing include his brother, Robert Preast and his wife Helen; sister, Alberta Petros; and a great many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He will also be missed by his bike riding pal, Carl Mutter. He was preceded in death by brothers: Jack, George and Jerry Preast; sisters: Helen Durham, Betty Dancy, Mina McCoy and Frances Caudill.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service is scheduled for Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 3:00 PM at the Chas E. Davis Funeral Home in Inverness and will be conducted by Pastor Darrell Reneau of Cornerstone Baptist Church. Following the chapel service, full military honors will be rendered by VFW Post 4337 Honor Guard. Friends are invited to join David’s family in visitation beginning at 2:00 PM until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to make donations to Cornerstone Baptist Church of Inverness at https://atthecorner.churchcenter.com/giving or Vitas Hospice, P.O. Box 1330, Lecanto, FL 34460. Arrangements are under the care of the Chas E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness, FL.
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