In Loving Memory of Preston Chad Bohannon: Calhoun Community Grieves Profound Loss After Tragic Accident on Boone Ford Road
CALHOUN, GA – July 5, 2025
The community of Calhoun is grappling with immense grief following the heartbreaking passing of Preston Chad Bohannon, a beloved resident whose life was tragically cut short in a vehicle accident on Boone Ford Road. At just 42 years old, he left behind not only cherished family and friends but a lasting legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to those around him.
The incident occurred on the evening of July 3, 2025, just ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend. What should have been a time of reflection and celebration for the community quickly turned to sorrow as news spread of the accident. First responders were dispatched to the scene, but despite their best efforts, Preston Bohannon succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. His passing has left a void that many in the area are struggling to comprehend.
A Life Remembered
Those who knew Preston Chad Bohannon speak of a man who exemplified compassion, strength, and humility. A native of Calhoun, he was deeply rooted in the fabric of the community, known not only for his warm personality but also for his active presence in civic, spiritual, and social circles.
Friends describe him as someone who made everyone feel welcome — a gentle soul with a strong work ethic and a ready smile. Whether it was lending a hand during tough times, organizing community events, or simply sharing a laugh over coffee, his presence brought comfort and joy to countless lives.
One family friend shared, “He was always there when you needed him. You didn’t even have to ask. He was the kind of person who knew when someone was hurting and would show up — not just with words, but with real help.”
As a devoted family man, Preston was admired for the way he prioritized those closest to him. His loved ones often spoke of the deep pride he took in his role as a protector, provider, and constant source of encouragement. His passing is not only a personal loss but a significant blow to the community, which looked to him as an example of steady, kind-hearted leadership.
The Scene on Boone Ford Road
The details surrounding the accident are still under investigation by local authorities. According to preliminary reports, the incident took place along a rural stretch of Boone Ford Road, a route known for its narrow turns and limited lighting at night. Authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the crash, and toxicology or mechanical failure reports have not yet been released.
Emergency personnel arrived promptly on the scene after receiving calls from witnesses, and efforts to administer aid were made immediately. Despite those efforts, it became evident that the injuries sustained in the crash were severe.
Local law enforcement is urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dashboard footage to come forward, as the information could be vital in completing the official report and helping provide clarity for the grieving family.
A City in Mourning
News of the accident spread quickly through Calhoun and Gordon County. Within hours, social media platforms were filled with tributes, memories, and heartfelt messages for the family. Community members changed their profile pictures to candles or remembrance ribbons in his honor, and a growing roadside memorial now marks the site of the crash, adorned with flowers, messages, and crosses.
Calhoun is a tightly knit town where everyone knows each other, and Preston Bohannon’s passing has deeply affected residents of all ages. Local churches held special prayer vigils on the evening of July 4, offering spiritual support to those struggling with the loss. Pastors and faith leaders encouraged the community to lean on one another, to grieve together, and to celebrate the life of a man who gave so much of himself to others.
“The pain is real,” said one local clergy member. “But so is the legacy he leaves behind. We must remember that.”
A Legacy of Service and Dedication
Throughout his life, Preston was involved in a range of local initiatives — from volunteering with local food drives and mentoring youth, to participating in fundraising efforts for local families in crisis. He was especially passionate about helping people in need, never seeking recognition but always stepping forward when it mattered most.
He was also known for his hands-on skills — whether it was helping neighbors with home repairs, assisting elderly residents with yard work, or offering advice and assistance to young people just starting out in life. His generosity of spirit extended to all who crossed his path.
Former colleagues and friends from community programs and local businesses have shared anecdotes about his dedication, reliability, and humor. “He made you feel like family, even if you’d only known him a day,” said one neighbor.
In the days since his passing, friends have begun organizing efforts to honor his legacy. A scholarship fund is being considered in his name, aimed at supporting local high school students who embody the qualities of compassion, responsibility, and community engagement that he lived by. Others have proposed an annual day of service in his memory, so that his selflessness can continue to inspire long after his passing.
Remembering the Man Behind the Smile
Though many in the community are still in shock, others are taking time to reflect on the joy Preston brought into their lives. From Sunday barbecues to early morning fishing trips, to casual conversations outside the corner store — these small, everyday moments now carry a deeper meaning.
One longtime friend recounted, “He’d tell you to slow down, enjoy the little things, and always look out for each other. That was his way. You couldn’t be around him and not feel better afterward.”
His laughter, his quiet strength, his willingness to show up — those are the pieces of him that remain alive in the hearts of so many. His story is a testament to the impact one person can make simply by being kind, consistent, and caring.
Support for the Family
In the wake of the tragedy, the Bohannon family has received an outpouring of support from across the region. Friends and extended family members have traveled from nearby counties and states to offer condolences and help with arrangements. Meal trains, financial contributions, and messages of encouragement have been flowing in steadily since the announcement of his passing.
A GoFundMe page has also been established to assist with funeral and memorial expenses, as well as to provide long-term support for those closest to him. The page has already gathered hundreds of donations and comments from people moved by the man he was.
A public memorial service is being planned and will be announced in the coming days. It is expected to draw hundreds of mourners who will come together not just to grieve, but to honor a life that touched so many others.
Moving Forward in His Honor
While the pain of loss is fresh and heavy, the people of Calhoun are determined to carry Preston’s spirit forward. Community members have taken to social media and public forums to urge one another to live more generously, to listen more closely, and to love more openly — just as he did.
In a world that often moves too quickly, Preston Bohannon reminded people of the value of slowing down, of building real relationships, and of standing by each other in times of need. His life, though tragically cut short, stands as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, love and light can still lead the way.
The road ahead will not be easy for those who knew and loved him. But with each shared memory, each kind gesture, and each effort to live as he lived, Preston’s legacy will endure.
His absence will be deeply felt — in family gatherings, in community meetings, in quiet moments and loud laughter. But so too will his influence remain — in the hands that help, the hearts that give, and the lives that shine a little brighter because of him.
If you or someone you know is affected by this loss and needs support, local grief counselors, churches, and community organizations in Calhoun are offering assistance. Donations and tributes in honor of Preston Chad Bohannon can be made through verified memorial pages shared by family and friends.
