Preston Jay Wight, Jr.
Preston Jay Wight, Jr., longtime resident of Edmond, OK, died on Saturday, December 26, 2020 from complications of COVID and several weeks of battling the infection. He was 73.
Preston was born July 5, 1947 in Dallas, TX, to Preston Jay and Margaret Alice (Erskine) Wight along with his twin sister, Margaret Elizabeth (Peggy). He was a proud Texan, growing up in Dallas, graduating from Kimball High School in 1965, Henderson County Junior College in 1968 with an AA in Business Administration, and from Texas Tech University in 1971 with a BBA in Industrial Management. He met his wife, Donna Morris, when they were both students at Texas Tech, and they married June 22, 1974.
Ever the consummate salesman, Preston began his career selling mobile homes, moving into a successful sales career with Roerig Division of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, being a top salesman year after year (and adopting the nickname, Bubba). After several more years in other areas of sales of medical equipment, he started his own company, Future Medical Products of Oklahoma, Inc., with Donna as co-owner, selling medical gas distribution equipment. While no awards are given as an entrepreneur, he leaves a legacy of jovial customer service, industry knowledge and insight, and many business associates-turned-friends.
He was a proud American and World War II history buff; faithful longtime member of Quail Springs Baptist Church; avid fan of Nascar; lifelong lover of fast cars; veteren choir member and admirer of the hymns of old; volunteer with Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief; and passionate hunter of neighborhood squirrels. His laughter was contagious and distinctive, serving as a beacon in any size crowd. In the past eight years, Preston had a good time playing frequent Pickleball games, but never giving his friends any slack from his pretty aggressive stroke.
His family will remember him fondly in corny jokes and turns of phrase, giving those he loved nicknames, rides to get ice cream in the convertible, jumping on the bed, drinking Mt. Dew, enjoying snacks of mixed nuts, and watching late night movies. “Remember who you are and whose you are,” he frequently admonished his family, particularly his daughters.
Preston was a man of integrity and strong faith and convictions. He will be remembered well by his wife, Donna, daughters Jeanette (Mike) Stevenson of Columbia, MO, and Allison (Nathan) Williams of Keller, TX, and as Totie to his three well-loved grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Jerry (Jan) Wight of Dallas, TX, his twin sister Peggy Jordan of San Antonio, TX, his sister Mary Patricia “Patti” (Bob) Robertson of Frisco, TX and many nieces and nephews, church friends, business associates in multiple states, Pickleball friends, and neighbors.
Preston was preceded in death by his father, Preston Jay Wight; mother, Margaret Alice (Erskine) Wight; and brother, Larry Vinton Wight.
Memorial gifts and donations in Preston’s honor can be made to Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief (3800 N. May, Oklahoma City, OK 73112). A memorial service will be live-streamed on Saturday, January 2, 2020 at 10 am. Please follow this link to view the service: To watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on ‘Videos’, then ‘Live Streams’.
Preston was my Pickleball partner in several tournaments over the years and a regular member of our Pickleball Thursday group. We are all deeply saddened. The Pickleball community has lost a tremendous friend. I will miss his competitive spirit, his infectious smile, his friendship, his jovial nature and his willingness to laugh at my corny jokes. Rest In Peace my friend.
I will miss a Pickleball friend and our political discussions. He will be missed.
We have lost a dear friend in Preston. He always came in the gym with a smile ready to beat you on the pickleball court. This is such a shock to loose him so early. Hug your friends because they may not be here tomorrow.
I first met Preston on the last day of September 2014. We had heard about Pickleball and just happened to be at Boulevard paddles in Edmond to check out the game. The next day we were at Quail Springs Baptist Church playing pickle ball I have continue to do so since. Preston will always be remembered as a friend and competitor with a one of a kind personality!
Rocky
We met Preston through pickleball and we’re so glad we did! We got to know him even better through our fundraiser pickleball tournament for Wings, A Special Needs Adult Community. Preston was extremely generous with his time, helping us by hauling chairs and tables and by generously sponsoring others so they could play. We will sorely miss our friend.
Rlbcb11@att.net
I met Preston when I first started Pickleball. He was kind and encouraging but when we played against him he called OUT we were concerned. When I first met Preston he mentioned he worked with the men’s Baptist disaster group and I held him in such high regards for his service to help others. Preston we will miss your smile, your laughter and your encouraging hugs when we would win at pickleball. It meant a lot. You truly will be missed. Prayers for your wife and all the family.
I’m going to miss Preston! He was a favorite of all the pickleballers.
We have lost a great Picklball friend way too soon. I remember Preston showing up at Solid Rock one day. It was league day and we desperately needed a sub because someone had to cancel at the last minute. Someone called Preston and he came into the gym wearing blue jeans and a button down shirt, in his court shoes, carrying a pickleball paddle. With a big grin on his face, he told me he been out running errands but he always kept shoes and a paddle in his car just in case a Picklball game came up. Rest In Peace Preston.
Preston was a one-of-a-kind character. His nicknames (mine included, “Teach”, “Sis” and “Red Britches” as he enjoyed making fun of a pair of red leggings) his laugh, his “Out!” calls on the pickleball court, his convertible, his love of Donna, his love of his children/grandchildren, his devotion of driving the disaster relief truck, his loyalty to his friends, his love of country and western vs. rock music arguments, his incessant joy of making fun and having fun—these are just a few of the memories. May Donna and his family and friends feel his love and find comfort and peace in those memories he made with them.
This world needs a few more Prestons. I never saw him in a bad mood….always smiling. After reading this obit, I wish I would have made more of an effort to be around him more. Such a class act. Heaven just got a damn good man! Make em’ laugh Preston, make em laugh!
Preston was a real character and joy to be around. His laugh, his smile, his jokes… all made him such a fun pickleball partner. He will be sorely missed from our regular Thursday group, and especially GOPB, where he was loved by all!!!
See you in Heaven one day, Preston… and make sure you teach everyone there how to play pickleball!!! We’d expect nothing less!!!
Much Love ❤️
Preston was so nice to my son and I when we started playing Pickleball!!
His smile, humor and kindness made him special! He was always encouraging ! Preston was one of a kind and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Love and Prayers to Preston’s family
The GOPB pickleball family is in such shock and sadness to lose one of our own. We will miss you, Preston.
Our thoughts and prayers to the family.
Thank you, Preston, for welcoming the beginners and challenging the veterans…and I think you may have helped initiate the new line rule changes. Rest In Peace friend.
“Preston”, a name I could never remember…it was always on the tip of my tongue…So, he would just laugh at me and one day he finally said “You can call me Bubba” a nickname that stuck with me. So Bubba it was….We will all miss you here. Enjoy pickleball heaven, Bubba, until we meet again!
Preston had such a servants heart. A few years ago he and a group of men from church helped me to move into an apartment after many years of keeping most of my things in storage. Never a complaint just a smile and let’s get this done kind of attitude. I am sure that when Jesus welcomed him he said “ well done good and faithful servant“. Love to you all.
I first met Preston playing pickleball at Quail Springs Baptist Church. I remember his prayers before play, his wonderful laugh & his friendship. You will be greatly missed, my friend.
Last time I played pickleball with Preston he forgot his court shoes, had on topsiders and played! I’ll miss his teasing. May his memory be a blessing.
We will miss a pickleball friend indeed. Preston always had a smile and that smile lit up the entire court.
What sweet tributes from Preston’s Pickleball community! I, too, am a Pickleball player and know I would have enjoyed knowing him! My sincere condolences to Donna, my Alpha Phi sister at Texas Tech, and the rest of the family and friends of Preston.
I also met Preston at Quail Springs pickleball . The smile and welcoming attitude always made you feel good about playing.
I loved seeing him pull up in his little car…always with a smile on his face!
RIP Preston😇
I’ve had a personal friendship with Preston in many ways. I first knew him at Quail Springs Baptist Church. He was a fellow deacon, he was a Sunday school class member, he was a fellow choir member, he worked with me with Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief, and he loved Pickleball. Rest In Peace, Preston. I’ll see you in Heaven.
We will certainly miss Preston and his friendly manner. Always enjoyed playing PB with him. Just a super nice guy who always had a warm “hello” for everyone.
I met Preston when I first started playing Pickleball. I was playing at Woodson one day. I walked into the bathroom to change clothes. I heard someone yell, “Get those britches on, girl!” I came out beet red and guess who it was? Preston, of course. He called me “Britches” for a couple of years until he started calling me “Weezy”. I will miss those nicknames, and I will miss Preston. He was always a happy guy. He loved his cars and his music. I will think of him everytime I hear anything by Otis Redding. He loved the old music. Rest in peace my friend.
Preston & Donna moved into the Springhill neighborhood across the street from us back in the 80’s. Not only were they neighbors, but they became our good friends. All of us up & down Coachlight Drive became family as we experienced life together and watched our children grow up to become young adults. Preston was truly one of a kind. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a laugh that was unmistakable. He was a caring person that was very loyal to his Family, Friends, and to his Country. We will miss him but we will have some great memories of our times together. Until we meet again – my friend. May GOD bless.
I’m sure going to miss Preston. He was everywhere! Always involved in at church, the first to volunteer for every job and, of course, he never missed pickleball. He really cared about people. The ones he loved the most were his family! He was totally devoted to them and relished the chance to brag on them. I’ll miss the twinkle in his eye and the fun he was. I know he is loving being with the Lord and I’m sure his strong bass voice is singing praises with the heavenly choir. He will be the loudest!
I enjoyed playing pickleball with Preston for several years but then just seeing him occasionally in the last few years. One day at the Pb court, Preston was standing near a few of us and he made a silly comment. I used my fist to punch him on the upper arm. He laughed so very hard because I drew my hand back with an “ouch”. Guess his workouts paid off! I’m so sorry to Preston’s family for their loss. See ya later Preston!
Preston, I can just hear your laughter in the heavenly realms. Your willingness to help and giving spirit will always be remembered. Your friendship I’ll hold dear to my heart until we meet again!
Thank you Preston for teaching us the value of kindness. Your genuine spirit always brightened the Pickleball court. Loved when I got to be your partner. We will all remember you fondly and miss you dearly. See you in heaven. Uplifting prayers for Donna & all your loved ones.
Preston and Donna have been friends of mine since the 1980’s when I joined QSBC. He was such a kind and caring man, dedicated to his wife and their family.
Preston always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone; truly such a blessing to know him and consider him a friend in Christ.
Jane Woods
Preston was a friend of my wife Barbara and then we met and enjoyed many Pickleball matches together. Each Sunday while I sat in church waiting for the choir to sing at 11am, Preston while walking in would always tap me on the shoulder and say “Morning Cuz”. His favorite nickname for me. Many times I would talk with Donna as we waited for the choir to exit. Preston was so willing to serve the Lord and now he sits at His side. God bless him and the family.
Preston was the first person I met when I arrived at Quail Springs, not knowing a soul, to learn Pickleball. He was always welcoming, encouraging and fun! He never met a stranger. When we opened the court at our home, Preston was the first person we invited. He loved his family, loved his friends and loved Pickleball. More than anything, he loved the Lord. He’s enjoying His Savior in heaven. Ron and I will forever miss him. Pickleball won’t be the same without Preston.
Donna and family,
I just want to express my heartfelt condolences and sympathy. Preston left this world long before anyone expected him to.
Cherish all the great memories. Time will help lessen your pain!
Love,
Cynthia Michaels
I would be one of the business associates turned friend. I met Preston in 1990 and over the years in the mechanical business always looked forward to being able to do more business with him and Donna.
I learned a lot tapping into his knowledge of medical equipment.
To the end of my days I will always hear him laughing. He was most definitely one of a kind and I will miss him dearly. He has gone home now and is no longer burdened with the worries of this world.
Preston was not only a Dear Friend who we shared many years together in the medical equipment business but shared a passion for making a difference in in peoples lifves by serving beyond what was required.
Preston will never be forgotten or Loved for making the word a better place for his Dear Wife Donna and his two daughters.
Preston will be respectfully remembered forever!
Our hearts are broken dear Uncle Preston. We are comforted knowing that you are in Heaven at the right side of our Lord. That laugh, love of the Lord and your Family is your incredible legacy. Thank you for being the example you were. Love, the McCaffrey Family
My sweet friend…..oh how I will miss everything about you…from your laugh to our deep discussions. Love you and will see you again.
Donna
it was a beautiful service. sorry i couldn’t participate in the live chat. i couldn’t figure it out. your daughters, Jeanette and Allison were wonderful sharing their beautiful memories of Bubba. that was the Bubba i know!
i loved the video / slideshow you guys prepared of Bubba. i shed a tear.
if you ever come to Dallas and want to meet us for dinner. i will treat and feel very blessed. my cell is 214 460 4245
i miss Bubba. we didn’t get that hog hunt in but i’ll cherish my memories fo / with him forever
love to you and family
nolan
Donna,
Such a beautiful service and beautiful family. Scott and I love you so much, and will hop across the street to enjoy being with you!
Will be continually praying as Jesus teaches you how to dwell in His arms in a more powerful and restful way than Ever Before.
Scott and Sally Story
Donna and family,
What a loving and meaningful memorial for Preston. Thank you for sharing with all of us that could not be there in person to comfort you. God will be there to hold you tightly in his arms during this time of great loss.
Sending you love and hugs.
Donna, the Service for Bubba was so touching. I know he would have loved it. I sat here with tears in my eyes remembering the wonderful years we had working together at Pfizer. Bubba was a pleasure to have on my Team
and was always a Top performer nationally. He always talked about you and his kids, and was very proud of his Family. Donna, y’all were Family to our Team! There are so many words to describe Bubba (all positive), but I believe the three words that top the list are: TRUSTWORTHY, DEPENDABLE, POSITIVE.
I loved Bubba Wight! I will always remember him as Special! And I will always remember the love he had for his family. You were a major part of his success, and you were a major part of our Pfizer family. God bless.
Ken Ardoin
I played Pickleball with Preston shortly before he became ill with COVID19. We sat on a bench together at Kickingbird and Preston told me about his new Corvette. He said he wanted one ever since he was in high school, and when he finally decided to buy one, he was put on a waiting list for months. He picked up his new car in Missouri and was very excited to have it at home.
Preston was funny and fun, and at times goofy and corny, but always genuine and real. He made everyone around him happier and more sociable by his attitude, friendliness and gregariousness. It just doesn’t seem real that Preston is gone from our sight. I think of Preston often, and I will miss him.
I’ve worked in the medical gas field for about 15 years. So I have known of Preston Wight for that long. He was a unique individual whom all within our industry knew and respected.
I was fortunate with my move to Texas back in 2018 to begin working with Preston directly. We were successful and I learned a great deal from him, but more importantly we enjoyed each other’s company. Makes work so much easier when you like the people you work with. I was lucky Preston chose to work with me.
Wish I’d known about his passion for Pickleball earlier. We would have been a formidable doubles team and I would have loved that opportunity to play along side him. I’ll miss Preston. All of us will. He was a good man.
To the family and friends of Preston my heart goes out to you.
Preston and I met working together in Medical Gas he call and always save PaPaw Baer and I knew the voice and loved the stories. Give him a chance to talk about Donna and girls its going to be a long conversation. We lost touch when I changed jobs but he was a true friend that will be missed by many.
You take care of things up there Bubba …..
Our friendship started 50 years ago at Henderson County Junior College. We (and his twin Peggy) were on the cheerleading squad together and made the trip to the Rose Bowl. He was so popular that it seemed there was not a group or activity he did not belong to….. and over the years he never lost the laughter and joy. We were last together at the NASCAR races with his daughter. He was so proud and happy. What a wonderful life he lived.