Obituaries

Preston Lane Green, 64 of Hampton, Virginia passed away in his home on November 16, 2024. Born in Seneca, SC, Lane moved to Hampton in 1962 where he attended school and was a 1978 Bethel High graduate. Upon graduation, Lane began working full-time for his father at Buckroe Auto Parts. Having worked with his father part-time in high school, Lane’s fascination with motors and race cars grew into a weekend pastime and eventual semi-pro racing passion. After the sale of Buckroe Auto Parts, Lane and his father embarked on a new business, Brentwood Auto Sales. His career kept him in the car industry in Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, and eventually back to Hampton. Lane also became a motorcycle enthusiast in his later years and not only enjoyed riding but traveling to shows around the country.

Lane was a lifelong member of Bethany United Methodist Church on Todds Lane in Hampton. Following in his parents’ beliefs, Lane believed strongly in the importance of a relationship with the Lord.

Lane enjoyed many sports activities beginning in his youth in the Northampton area of Hampton, Virginia. Being a multi-sport athlete, Lane continued to play baseball, basketball, and football into high school and was on the Bethel High School State Championship Football team. Lane found great joy in spending time on the golf course with his son John. His love of sports was something that he shared with his children. The three loved talking about baseball, football, golf, and NASCAR racing. Lane enjoyed many seasons as a ticket holder to the Baltimore Orioles and loved weekends spent at Camden Yards watching baseball with his wife, Wendy, and children.

Many of Lane’s favorite memories were of time spent with his uncle and aunt, Jimmy and Idella Bodie, and cousins Edwin, Susanne, John, and Beth. His aunt and uncle purchased a home at Lake Murray in South Carolina many years ago and that home and lake forever remained Lane’s favorite place on Earth. Lane often spoke of his time spent at Green family reunions and loved his many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was always very proud to be a Green and wanted his children to be as well.

Lane was a fairly quiet person until he got to know you. He could also be hilarious, keeping his family thoroughly entertained. Although Lane lived out of state for several years, he never failed to make it home for Christmas and time with his mom and children. Never the loudest in the room, Lane had a quiet demeanor and an extremely sweet and comforting nature. In his mother’s final years, Lane spent nearly every evening sitting with her and watching sports and TV shows that they both enjoyed. Lane was most proud of his two children and their accomplishments over the years. He was incredibly fond of each of their spouses and loved them no differently than his children. Daughter, Whitney, remained a daddy’s girl even into her adult years. Their bond was solid and sweet and there were very few days that passed that the two of them didn’t talk. He shared a special bond with his granddaughter, Harper as she had him wrapped around her little finger. Lane could appreciate someone’s God-given athletic ability and was amazed by his granddaughter, Hayden’s drive, competitiveness, and talent in sports. Lane will live on through two namesakes, his son John, and grandson, Brooks as both share his name, Preston.

Lane was preceded in death by his parents, Ray G. and Elizabeth Bodie Green.

Left to cherish his memory are Wendy Barnes Green, daughter, Whitney Green Watkins (Robert), and son, John Preston Green (Ava). Also surviving are grandchildren, Hayden, Harper, and Brooks Preston Watkins.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Bethany Methodist Church, 1509 Todds Ln, Hampton, VA. Visitation/reception to follow service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to Bethany Methodist Church