Preston (Pres) Pruitt Dize passed away on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, at his daughter's home in Tangier, Va.
He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, a hard working waterman, and a long-time member of Swain Memorial United Methodist Church where he was an Usher, served on the Official Board, chaired the Health and Welfare Committee and was Assistant Sunday School Superintendent for many years.
Pres was born on Feb. 27, 1926 to Monnie and Colson Dize. At age six, his mother died and from that age, he was brought up by his aunt and uncle, Castella and Weldon Wheatley. From childhood, Pres loved the water and the island. He was a skilled waterman, loved to work on engines, and was the proud owner of a rare Draketail work boat, at the time one of the few left on the Chesapeake Bay. Pres almost lost his life in 1994 when the boat was sunk following a collision, but he continued to love all aspects of working on the water until his mid-80s. A man of quiet strength, Pres was known for his honesty, humility, kindness, generosity and patience. He lost his much-loved wife of seventy-two years, Norma Ray Dize, in May of this year.
He is survived by three daughters, Virginia Dize of Washington, D.C., Sue Potter and husband Donnie of Kinston, N.C. and Mary Stuart Parks and husband Andy of Tangier; grandchildren, Michael Scott Potter and wife Courtney, Christopher Parks and wife Ashley, Michael Parks and wife Jenny, Jonathan Potter, Sara Potter and Georgianna Parks; and six great-grandchildren, Collin, Dennilynn, Brady, Lola, Ethan and Gage.
Funeral services officiated by the Rev. Nona Allen were Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Swain Memorial United Methodist Church on Tangier. A viewing was at the church Monday evening from 5-6:30 p.m. Interment was in the family cemetery.
Donations in his memory may be made to Swain Memorial United Methodist Church.