Preston M. Wells, III, 62 of St. Cloud passed away Saturday, March 4, 2023. He was a member of a Pioneer Osceola County Ranching and Citrus Family. He was born the son of Preston M. Wells, Jr. and Hazel Sikes Wells and was a lifelong Osceola County resident.
Preston graduated from Osceola High School in 1978 and received a baseball scholarship to South Florida Junior College where he graduated in 1980 and Florida Southern College in 1982 graduating with a Bachelor Degree in Citrus Production. Preston taught Vocational Agriculture at St. Cloud High School for 23 years followed by 12 years as a Dean of Students at Harmony High School. He retired from the School District of Osceola in 2017 after 35 years of service. He was a varsity baseball coach for Head Coach Mike Fields for 17 years, at both St. Cloud High and Harmony High and coached football with Tom Greer, John Wallauer and Steve Landrum at St. Cloud High. He touched many lives during his teaching and coaching career.
Preston was the FFA advisor for St. Cloud High for 23 years, assisting many students in the market animal programs, citrus production, state competitions in judging, public speech and debates. He had a true passion for ag-mechanics which he loved sharing and involving his students in. Preston had superior mechanical abilities which led to his various hobbies. He was a member of the Florida Flywheelers Association where he displayed many of his restored engines and tractors. His legacy now continues on through many of his former students that are now restoring and showing their own “old iron”.
He was a member of the Silver Spurs Riding Club, a lifetime member and past president of the Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show. He implemented the Antique Tractor Show as part of the KVLS Fair during his time on the Board of Directors. He served his community very well for over 40 years.
Preston is survived by his father Preston Wells Jr., his loving wife Tina, children Lyndsey (Tim) Weathers, Geoffrey (Tiffany) and Kyle Engel, his brother Clyde (Effie), grandchildren Barrett Wells, Eva Wells and Alexis Wells, nieces Brandy Claunch, Amy Wells and Emma Wells and nephew Clayton Wells.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A. M. Thursday March 9, 2023 at the Event Center, Osceola Heritage Park, 1901 Chief Osceola Trail, Kissimmee, Fl. 34744, with the Reverend Remer Baker Jr. and Reverend King Baker officiating. Fellowship reception will follow in the KVLS Show Ring.