In his long tenure as a member and volunteer at Unity Church of Clearwater, Bob Preston has amassed very meaningful recollections. He and his wife Dorothea, who made her transition on July 8, 2015, first came to UCC in 1972. Bob, with his son Rick, occupies last row left every Sunday morning.
Bob served on Unity’s Board of Directors three times. It was he who first encouraged Leddy Hammock to “put her hat in the ring” when the church was looking for a new minister. He fondly recalls seeing the success of his idea to construct a church addition for Sunday School rooms. Bob remembers, too, the influence of Associate Minister Mary Powell who would read Daily Word first as written and a second time, using the plural form of the first person pronoun. Bob still reads Daily Word that way, considering “we” more inclusive than “I.”
A priceless gift from a fellow Unity member holds a very special place in his heart. Accomplished artist June Harben once created, from a photograph of Dorothea, a life-like painting that, strategically placed in Bob’s living room, beautifully preserves the memory of his beloved.
Their incredible love story and 69-year marriage had its origin when the girl was 10, the boy 12, and Dorothea’s grandmother moved next door to Bob’s family. When Bob enlisted in the Navy at 17, they agreed to marry after the war was over. Stationed in the Pacific aboard USS Roi for 1 year and 7 months, Bob left the Navy in February 1946, having served 3 years, 1 month and 12 days. In a storybook adventure, he and Dorothea began their lives together in Hollywood on May 23, 1946. Married in the chapel at Chapman Park Hotel, their wedding aired on the romantic radio gem of “Bride and Groom.” For being on the show, the couple received wedding rings, household gifts and an all expense paid honeymoon. Bob’s enterprising bride had earned them their own reality show. “Bride and Groom” based its selections of couples to feature on written application, and Dorothea’s letter was a winner.
The newlyweds went back to Ohio but returned to California where Bob attended school, studying accounting. His first civilian job after the Navy was as a personnel manager. He then worked for a mobile home builder in accounting and purchasing. When his employer came to Clearwater in 1955 and built a mobile home manufacturing plant, the Prestons followed.
Very soon after first coming to UCC, Bob began volunteering, and both he and Dorothea became long-time head greeters. Bob first served on the Board at the recommendation of Rev. Howard Bradford.
Today, Bob lives in the house that the Prestons had built in 1960. Rick lives next door. His son David retired from the military after 31 years and remained in Thailand, the home of his wife. Bob has four grandchildren.
Bob Preston’s long history with Unity actually began in 1944. His future mother-in-law, a seeker, sent to the young sailor a copy of Daily Word. He read and re-read every word. Bob, raised Presbyterian, and Dorothea, Episcopalian, became a perfect Unity fit.