Preston Lewis Tinsley

Preston Lewis Tinsley of Waynesville, NC died peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

If, as Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a stage”, Preston took great advantage of that stage and in his time played many parts. He was an educator, humorist, actor, storyteller, runner, singer, and veteran. He was a friend to many, a devoted family man and unparalleled father. But most of all Preston was a kind and gentle spirit, endowed with a keen wit, and a gift for making others laugh. When you were with Preston you felt welcomed, accepted, and heard.

Preston was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 14, 1946 to the late Preston and Evelyn Tinsely. He spent his early years in Larchmont, NY, moved to Asheville in 1961 and graduated from Edwards High School in 1965. He attended St. Andrew’s Presbyterian College, transferring to UNC-Chapel Hill and graduated in 1969.

While teaching in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg public schools, Preston was drafted and served in the Army Security Agency in Vietnam and Germany. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. Upon returning home, he enlisted in the National Guard where he served for 20 years.

After receiving his Master’s Degree from Western Carolina University, Preston began teaching in the Haywood County School System in 1976. Most of that time was as a Media Specialist at Tuscola High School. He later worked at Crabtree and Fines Creek Elementary Schools as a Librarian (where he first encountered the notorious Viola Swamp), and ended his tenure at Central Haywood High School, where he was given the opportunity to deeply impact the lives of his students not only as aducator, but as an adult who met them where they were, listened to and laughed with them and guided by example.

In his retirement Preston continued to pursue his love of theatre by contributing his time and energy to both the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville, and the summer program at Parkway Playhouse in Burnsville, NC. He loved a good story, and especially loved telling one. His innate talent for voices and dialects, and his love of language embellished many a tale told around the fire. Or the dinner table. Or sitting with friends sharing a glass of wine after a long hike.

In the last years of his life, he met the challenge of living with Alzheimer’s with his typical grace and good humor. While his memory might have dimmed, his love for family and friends only grew brighter. He donated his body to the medical school at UNC-Chapel Hill. He is referred to a s a “silent teacher” there. How appropriate for the man for whom teaching was his native air.

His family is more than grateful for the loving care he received from an ever expanding network of friends – old and new. And grateful for the care and assistance from Haywood Hospice, The Charles George VA Medical Center, Smoky Mountains Sports Medicine, Four Seasons Hospice, and Elizabeth House in his last few months.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Suzanne; three sons, Patrick (Melissa), Zach, and Alex; three grandchildren, Cole, Emmi, and Walker; and brother, Danny (Kathy).

There will be a celebration of Preston’s life after the new year to honor his legacy and share stories.

If you would like to donate in Preston’s memory, you might consider 1st United Methodist Church in Waynesville, Haywood County Schools Foundation, Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, or the Alzheimer’s Foundation. If you asked Preston how to best remember him, he would say “Love your family. Laugh with your friends.”