Preston C. Belford

Preston Collins Belford, 56, passed away unexpectedly on October 2, 2026.

Born November 23, 1969, in Petoskey, Michigan, Preston was the son of Terry and Penny Belford. He attended Boyne City High School and joined the United States Marine Corps immediately after graduation. He proudly served his country during Operation Desert Storm. Preston later continued his military career in the United States Army, serving in Long Range Surveillance (LRS) during the War in Afghanistan.

A natural leader, Preston led those who served alongside him with honor and dedication. His commitment to his brothers-in-arms and to his country ran deep. If his body allowed, he would have remained defending his country until his last breath.

Preston was deeply passionate about his family, friends, music, food, the outdoors, and firearms. He had a gift for finding beauty in the world around him. Preston believed that no matter how difficult today may be, tomorrow might be beautiful. It was more than an outlook on life; it was how he lived. Through every hardship, he kept moving forward, refusing to give up and always believing there was something worth fighting for.

Beneath his tough exterior was an extraordinarily generous heart. Preston was the kind of person who would give someone the shirt off his back without ever expecting anything in return. He loved the outdoors and especially cherished his nieces and nephews and the time he spent with those he loved. Those who knew Preston also knew his unmistakable personality. He was undeniably stubborn and always needed to have the last word. But above all, he loved deeply and fought fiercely for the people and things that mattered to him. His kind soul and bright presence will be deeply missed. His passing leaves an immeasurable hole in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who loved him.

Preston is survived by his wife, Jessica White and stepson, Miles Muma; his parents, Terry and Penny Belford; his siblings, Tara Goedike (Rob Goedike), Heather Matthews (Scott Matthews), Mandy Caverly (Isaac Caverly), Wade Belford (Amy Belford) and Cody Belford (Shandi Grunow); his nieces and nephews, Trey Matthews, Kyler Price, Madison Matthews, Max Matthews, Cora Belford, Cain Belford, Booker Caverly, Boone Caverly, and Marlee Caverly; and his great-niece, Sage Matthews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Victor Knight and Betty Knight, and Eugene Belford and Ruby Belford; his uncles, Collins Belford, Jeffrey Belford, and Bob Fitzpatrick; his aunts, Sue Blount and Toni Spiller; his cousins, Jared Belford and Kyle Knight; and many of his brothers-in-arms.

A celebration of Preston’s life will be held November 21, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Veterans Park Pavilion 207 North Lake Street Boyne City, MI. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Warrior Dog Foundation or Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.