TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
ated fromCentral Commercial High School in NewYork City, where he was student body president [1952-1953]. He attended historic Hampton (VA) University (formerly Hampton Institute), where he graduated in 1958 with a B.A. degree in accounting. Preston later earned his MBA degree from Adelphi University in 1975 and a masters’ in strategic studies from the USArmy War College in 1982. He earned a commission in the USArmy Reserves as a Second Lieutenant in the Quartermasters’ Corps in 1958 and served over 21 years on active duty in various as- signments around the world. Among his assignments, included serving two combat tours in Vietnamwhere he earned the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in a combat zone. Preston retired from the Army in 1987 and became the Senior Army Instructor at Fort Meade High School’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps pro- gram in Fort Meade, MD. He served for 23 years as Senior Army Instructor, Fort Meade High School JROTC retiring in 2013. Prior to serving in this position, during a break in military service from 1974-1982, Preston held various positions including: ProgramDirector for the New Lease Youth Program in Brooklyn, NY, and Sales Man- ager, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. He also served as Chairman and President, Expansion, Incorporated [1971-1982] and was co-founder of Jerico Investment Group [1971-1982]. He was the Secretary and Treasurer of Paramount Investment Corpo- ration [1986-2020]. Preston was a Life Member of the Fraternity and the N.A.A.C.P. He served as a past president of the HamptonMilitaryAlumni Association. He was a charter member of the RetiredMilitary Officers’Association and a member of the FloridaA&MMasonic Lodge. Preston had a passion for mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders in reaching their full potential. For years, he prepared high school students for college and provided a regular pipeline of students who matriculated to Hampton University, other HBCUs, and universities, as well as colleges in general. Students he mentored and coached can be found in every field of human endeavor from doctors, lawyers, special investigators , financial professionals,
and military service members—both officer and enlisted. The listing of leaders he has helped reach full potential is his legacy and represents his crowning achievements. An athlete, he loved basketball, tennis, and bowling. He also enjoyed playing chess, listening to music (Nat King Cole was his favorite), and visiting hisAlma Mater— Hampton University. Colonel Frank J. Preston is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara; sons, Frank “Jerry” and Frank “Frankie” and his wife, Karen; his daughter, Lori; his grandchildren; Major andArielle; two grandchildren; four great grandchildren; his sister in law; and a host of relatives and many close friends. Colonel Preston is interred at Arlington National Cemetery and receive full military honors. Submitted by Donrich L. Young
an educator with Pitt County Public Schools. After a year in Pitt County, he returned home to T. S. Cooper (TSC) Elementary School as a science and math teacher. After 13 years in the classroom, he became principal, where he served for the next 27 years. "Mr. Saunders" was passionate about education and wanted the best for his students and staff. He created a strong sense of pride for TSC and was tena- cious in acquiring funding to support his students' best possible education. A Life Member of the Fraternity, Saun- ders was also a member of the Pride of Sunbury Masonic Lodge #401, Ameri- can Legion Post #426, ECSU General Alumni Association (Life Member), Viking Varsity Club (Charter Member), National Education Association (NEA) (Retired Life), North Carolina Associa- tion of School Administrators, Gates County Social Services (Board Mem- ber), First Citizens Bank – Sunbury, North Carolina (Board of Directors) and College of the Albemarle (Board of Trustees). He was also a lifelong mem- ber of the St. John African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Brother Benjamin C. Saunders, Sr. was predeceased by his parents and sister, Sylvia (Charles) Dark. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Aileene (nee Modlin) Saunders; sons Jeffrey (Carolyn) Johnson and Benjamin (Tif- fany) Jr. (Alpha Nu 1990); daughter, Cynthia (Eddie) Cheatham; and brother, William Kershaw (Mary) Saunders. Five grandchildren; Terrell Johnson, Brittney Toribio (Aris Mendy), Edward Cheath- am, Shauna Cheatham, Jaylin Johnson, and three great-grandchildren; Jamiyah, Keyorri, and Jameel.
Benjamin C. Saunders, Sr. 1939-2020 Educator, U.S. Army
Benjamin C. Saunders, Sr.
(Ahoskie (NC) Alumni 1989) entered the Chapter Invisible on November 9, 2020, at 81. Benjamin Cornell Saun- ders was born on September 16, 1939, to Mary Etta (nee Eason) Saunders and Oscar Cross Saunders. Raised in Sunbury, NC, Saunders graduated from T. S. Cooper High School in 1957, where he was senior class president. He attended Elizabeth City State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in education in 1962. He later earned an M.A. in education from East Carolina University and an Educational Special- ist Degree. He also received various certificates, including completing the "Principals Executive Program" at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The U.S. Army drafted Saunders after his college graduation. He spent the next two years of his life in Munich, Germany, serving his country as a military policeman in the United States Army. Saunders started his career as
Ruel L. Solomon 1933-2020 Educator, U.S. Army Ruel L. Solomon
(Alpha Kappa 1959), a Life Member of the
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