Passed peacefully away on Dec. 6, 2011, Bruce W. Preston of Mathews, Va., at 88 years of age.

Predeceased by his mother, Vera Ingram Preston; his father, Wallace Preston, and his aunt, Beryl Ingram.

Leaving to mourn are his beloved wife of 42 years, Tucker Butler Preston; his daughter, Virginia (Ginny) Ryan; son-in-law, John Ryan; granddaughter, Juliette Justine Ryan of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada; brother-in-law, Sam M. Butler Jr.; sisters-in-law, Mary Butler Leath and Grace Butler Countryman; his loving friend and caregiver, Rana Wells; Meekee, Magi, and the other small creatures in his life; and many kind friends and neighbors in the Mathews area.

Bruce was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Nov. 1, 1923. He attended New York University, following which, during W.W.II., he worked at Sperry Gyroscope. Later he worked for Utica Mutual Insurance as well as with several other companies as a photographer. He also served as an auxiliary member of the Connecticut State Troopers at Candlewood Lake, Connecticut.

Perhaps most especially, Bruce was a trained singer with a beautiful baritone voice, who touched everyone who heard him with the purity and passion of his singing. His gift of music was passed down to him from his father, and it lives on in his daughter and granddaughter.

Bruce’s family would like to thank the staff of Sanders Rehabilitation Facility and, especially importantly, the many staff members at Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester, for their truly compassionate care.

At his request, cremation has taken place; his family will hold a memorial service in the early summer of 2012, when all those who loved him can gather in attendance. Bruce, Dad, Poppy: We love you, and you will always be with us. Rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bruce’s memory may be made to Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society, Inc., P.O. Box 385, Gloucester, Va. 23061.

Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.