Thomas Preston Taylor

Thomas Preston was born on May 15, 1953, in Brighton, Tennessee, to the late Drewy and Nevida Burton Taylor. He received his early education in the Tipton County Schools through the tenth grade, later moving to Springfield, Tennessee, where he graduated from Springfield High School. He went on to further his education at Tennessee State University in Nashville, where he was an active member of the college ROTC program.

Upon earning his degree in Aerodynamic Engineering, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. During his service, he completed his solo flight and earned his pilot’s license. Following an honorable discharge, he began a long and distinguished professional career with the Tennessee Valley Authority as a Nuclear Reactor Operator. His work took him to Oak Ridge and Chattanooga, Tennessee, before he completed his 30-year career at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant in Athens, Alabama, while making his home in Huntsville.

Thomas was baptized at an early age and was a member of Pleasant Grove Methodist Church in Brighton, Tennessee. After settling in Huntsville, he joined First Baptist Church, where he rededicated his life to Christ and continued to grow in his faith.

Outside of his professional life, he was an avid farmer who took great joy in raising livestock and cultivating a variety of crops on his farms in both Alabama and Tennessee. He was also a passionate outdoorsman who loved spending time hunting and fishing.

Thomas was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Drewy and Nevida Taylor, and his sisters, Ina Taylor Yarbrough and Geraldine Taylor Farmer.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted daughter, Amber Nicole; his loving sister, Mary Drew Taylor Jones (Avery); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, dear friends, and former co-workers who will forever remember his kind spirit, wisdom, and generosity.

Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice knowing that Thomas Preston has taken his final flight and is now resting safely in the arms of his Savior.

A visitation for Thomas will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Valhalla Funeral Home (Huntsville), 698 Winchester Road NE, Huntsville, AL 35811. A funeral service will occur Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 698 Winchester Road NE, Huntsville, AL 35811. A committal service will occur Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Valhalla Memory Gardens & Funeral, 698 Winchester Road NE, Huntsville, AL 35811.