John Preece, a minister, businessman, and former coal operator, has touched the lives of untold Eastern Kentuckians.  For many  years, Preece has made it a priority to share his success with his community, through both kindness to individuals and investment in the area's economy.

Preece became a Knott Countian in 1957, when he moved to Cody, Ky. He opened various mines throughout the county, at one point employing over 300 men.  He designed and build the Holly Hills Shopping Center in 1984.  By investing his resources in Knott County, he has created jobs and produced quality shopping opportunities at home.

Always quick to help people in need, many times John would take coal on winter midnights to families who were freezing. Eve modest, he would downplay is own generosity and has never sought the limelight.

Through the years, his interest in youth and education has made him a great supporter of the Knott County School System, including considerable financial contributions.  He also donated funds to build the Preece Building at Hindman Settlement school.

For the past 25 years, John has been a minister in the Old Regular Baptist Church, and his primary purpose in life has been to serve the Lord.  Along the way, he purchased and renovated the old Yellow Creek school and donated it to the Indian Bottom Association of Churches. He consistently offers his assistance to many churches and individuals.

Originally from Martin county, Ky., Preece, the son of Harvey Columbus and Martha Muncie Preece, graduated from Warfield High School in 1939.  Following graduation, he moved to West Virginia, where he began his career in mining. During this time, he also bought and sold    livestock, worked as an auctioneer, transported fruit, hay and feed, and owned a service station.  He established his first coal mine in Mingo County, WV in 1952.

John married Wilma Everidge Preece.  They have six daughters, Mildred Tiller, Barbra Olive, Joyce Kitchen, Wanda Robertson, Diana Farley and Johnra Holly Everidge, 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

John's many successes in business have led to much recognition. Due to his prosperity and skill in he coal mining arena, he was elected president of the local and national Independent Coal Operators Association.  He was president Brinkley Supply, Allied Coal Company, AKP coal company, and Volunteer Mining in Tennessee.  He has served on boards of various businesses and organizations, including Citizen's Bank in Hazard, the Bank of Hindman, and the Hindman Settlement School.

In 1985, he was selected Man of the Year by the Troublesome Creek Times, and in 1994, the Kiwanis Club honored him as Man of the Year.  However among any awards and honors, Preece most prizes the friends and acquaintances he has made through the years.  His success in finance is equaled by his accomplishments in sincere service to God and his community.

 Corbett Mullins
May 1, 2003