Opal Preston Shirley, III (known as Preston), was born May 10, 1949 in Albuquerque, New Mexico and transitioned to the next world on Monday, March 6, 2023 in Smyrna, Tennessee. Born into a military family, they moved around in his childhood until his family settled in Niceville, Florida, where he graduated from grade school. He later moved to Tennessee and resided in the Madison area of Davidson County for most of his adult life. After a prolonged stay in the hospital and skilled nursing facility, he moved in with his niece Jennifer and her fiancée Chris in Smyrna to be with family at the end.

He is survived by his two loving nieces, Jennifer A. Ray and Lisa Ray Arnold as well as their children and grandchildren – Allegra Moreno, Chloe Arnold, Judeas Moreno, and Ezzoh Moreno. He is also survived by Chris Mayor, Jennifer's fiancée, who Preston was close with considering him both family and his closest male friend. Married once and divorced many years ago, Preston never had children but loved his nieces as if they were his own children.

Preston worked at Metro General Hospital for many years as a paramedic and then a respiratory therapist, beginning in the seventies and leaving in the late nineties. He received his Associate of Engineering Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology in 1983 and worked as a computer programmer after he left the medical field. He also spent time working as a professional photographer at Olan Mills Studio in Nashville. Jiffy Lube in Madison, TN was his last place of employment before he retired.

He enjoyed many hobbies over the years, including scuba diving. In recent years, he spent most of his time indulging his passion for photography and Photoshop as well as taking online courses to help him build a Raspberry Pi system at home.

Those who met Preston knew how kind and considerate he was. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences on line at www.simplecremationtn.com