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Obituary for Preston A. Killebrew, Jr.
In Loving Memory
Preston Killebrew, Jr. began his journey on May 30, 1934. He was born in Philadelphia, PA to Daisy Settles and Preston Killebrew, Sr. and was the 3rd of 4 children, with 2 preceding his homegoing, Dolores Key and Leonard Killebrew.
Preston graduated from Overbrook High School in 1953. He continued his education by enrolling in Business Administration studies at Temple University. Believing that he needed to become knowledgeable in the word of God, he attended Manna Bible Institute in Philadelphia graduating with honors in 1986.
At the age of 6, Preston accepted Christ as his personal savior and subsequently was baptized. At that time, he joined the fellowship of the Vine Street Baptist Church and served on the Sunday School, Ushers and Choir ministries. While growing up, Preston continued working diligently as a member of Vine Street Baptist Church, which later became Vine Memorial Baptist Church in 1979. Preston was appointed the Director of Evangelism in 1980 when the church elected him to the ministry of Deacons under the chairmanship of his late father, Preston Killebrew, Sr. One year later in 1981, following in the steps of his father, he was elected as the Chairman of the Ministry of Deacons.
Preston was a strong family valued man who believed that his responsibility was to provide for his family no matter how hard or long he had to work. As an example of this commitment, he was employed for 35 years at American Electronic Laboratories, Inc. (AEL) as a Technical Writer and Marketing Representative.
An entrepreneur at heart, Preston has a great desire to own and operate a business. He was blessed to have several successful businesses on a part-time basis, such as a Janitorial Service and a Technical Employment Placement Service. In 1995, Preston retired from AEL Industries, Inc. Determined not to sit around long, he opened Preston's Auto Detail Salon. Under this business venture, he successfully opened locations within several parking garages around Center City.Â
While still in high school, he met Yvonne Bailey, whom he would later be united in holy matrimony on September 25, 1954. This union was blessed with 2 children, Daryl and Karen.
Preston connects any success he had in life to his personal relationship with God, who is in control of all things. He experienced great joy in working in the church and had a great love for teaching the word of the Lord. He was considered a man of Godly wisdom often giving sound advice along with practical biblical and spiritual direction to those who asked. Preston had a super supreme love for God, his family, Pastor and church family. To many he was affectionately known as "Sonny". His dry humor kept many laughing, and because of his quiet character and refined temperance he was sometimes lovingly referred to as "Cool Pres" - He never lost his "cool".
At the end of his journey, Preston did not see or believe his illness as an obstacle but as a vehicle to finish his course. On October 17, 2011, Preston completed his journey home. He is survived by 2 children Daryl Preston Killebrew and Karen Killebrew Wilkins; 1 daughter-in-law, Macrina Killebrew; 1 son-in-law, Ronald Wilkins; 1 sister, Louise Gallman; 10 grandchildren, which includes 2 spouses; 3 great-grandchildren; 5 sisters-in-law; 1 brother-in-law and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and colleagues whom he regarded as family.
There will be a viewing on Saturday, October 22, 2011 9:00 AM at Vine Memorial Baptist Church located at 5600 West Girard Avenue in Philadelphia, PA. The funeral service will start at 11:00 AM. Final resting place will be Ivy Hill Cemetery Company on Monday, October 24th.
