Wilburn Thomas ‘Hawky’ Preece Jr.
1956—2025
With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, papaw, brother and uncle, Wilburn Thomas “Hawky” Preece Jr.
Hawky departed this world surrounded by his loving family Aug. 25, 2025, at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
Born Feb. 24, 1956, in Tomahawk, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Mary Virginia “Coonie” and Wilburn Thomas Preece Sr.
Hawky is survived by his wife of 42 years, Janet Brewer Preece, and his daughters, Caressa Muncy and her husband, Daniel, of Kermit, and Kesheia Matheny and her husband, Jeff, also of Kermit. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Haleigh Muncy (Elijah Fluty), Garrett Hensley, Harper Muncy, Preston Matheny and Sadie Matheny; his siblings, Mary Ann (Steve) Kominar, Emma (Ronnie) Muncy, Linda Gail (Monk) Sartin, Brenda Preece, Debbie (David) Dodd, Donnie (Angie) Preece, Robin (Doug) Collins, Michelle Preece, Stella (J.R.) Hinkle and Reco Brandon (Robin) Preece; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by siblings William Harold “Bull” Preece, James Edward “Jimbo” Preece, Timmy Dale Preece, and Stevie Preece.
Hawky was a dedicated member of the Kermit United Baptist Church, served on the Kermit Buddy League board of directors, was a 20-year member of the Kermit Town Council, and a lifetime member and current fire chief of the Kermit Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a retired employee of LST and Consol Energy.
Throughout his life, Hawky remained an avid supporter of Kermit K-8 and Tug Valley High School athletics.
More than any other accomplishment, Hawky will always be known for his servant’s heart. Most recently, the flooding of February 2025, in which his actions truly minimized the devastation of those impacted, while also uplifting the communities left in its wake. More than just an active community member, Hawky lit up the lives of any and all children blessed to be his neighbors on “The Back Street” of Kermit.
Funeral Services took place Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, at the Old Kermit Gym with Freddie Messer officiating. Burial followed at the Preece Family Cemetery in Warfield, Kentucky. Ricky Hundley, Silas Belt, Davey Jude, Odell Sartin, Eric Sartin, Jeff Kirk, JW Endicott, Channing Preece, Bryson Preece, Chase Crum and Jerry Ratliff served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Ronnie Brewer, Bud Kirk, Charles Sparks and Matt Clovis, as well as the members of the Kermit Volunteer Fire Department.