Thomas N. (Tom) Taylor

Thomas N. (Tom) Taylor, 87, passed away Sunday, August 24, 2025 at North Alabama Medical Center in Florence, Alabama. A family graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 28 at 1:00 p.m., at Rose Hill Cemetery in his hometown of Tallassee, Alabama. A celebration of his life will be held on September 14 at 2:00 at Highland Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama.

Tom was born March 6, 1938 in Tallassee, AL to Howard H. and Willie Lee Taylor. He graduated from Tallassee High School in 1956 where he attended Boys State, was president of the Senior Class and was inducted into the Tallassee High School Hall of Pride.

He graduated from Auburn University with his B. S. degree in 1960; Master of Education in 1963; and Doctor of Education in 1972.

He was a lifelong educator and began his career as a junior high school science teacher in Valley, AL, He then moved into administration as the Supervisor of Instruction in Elmore County and Assistant Superintendent for Instruction

After earning his doctorate from Auburn, he was assistant superintendent in the Jackson Mississippi Public Schools for 7 years overseeing elementary and secondary schools. He returned to his home state of Alabama to serve as Superintendent of Arab City Schools, Arab, AL, from 1979 -1986. He also served as Superintendent of Florence City Schools, Florence, AL, from 1986 - 1993.

Tom moved from Florence, AL, in 1993 to become Professor and Dean of the School of Education at Mississippi College in Clinton, MS for 5 years. After retirement from MC, he became the principal of Gary Road Intermediate School in Hinds County for 3 years.

He also worked as an educational consultant for school districts in Mississippi and Louisiana with the JBHM Education Group for 6 years. In 2010, he retired for the THIRD and final time!

Among his many accomplishments, he served on the Auburn University College of Education's National Advisory Council, serving as Chairman and was named an emeritus member of the council after 8 years of service. He was a member of the College of Education's Patron of the Keystone, and a long-time member of the Auburn Alumni Association. In 2010, he was designated by the AU Alumni Association as a "Golden Eagle", and in 2013, he was named as a member of the College of Education's Honor Roll for his selfless service, dedication, and commitment to the field of education.

Tom also served on the Board of Directors of the Camp Diversity Foundation at Camp Rockmont for Boys in Asheville, NC. Serving on the board of trustees was a way to give back to Camp Rockmont for the positive impact the camp had had on him and his son, Jeff.

He was active in the Baptist church in every community where he lived and worked. He was an active deacon, taught Sunday School classes in all churches he attended, and served on numerous church committees. He was actively involved in community service in the various cities in which he lived. He was a Rotarian for twenty-five years where he served as President of 2 different clubs and was named a Paul Harris Fellow.

Tom is survived by his wife of 31 years, Laura; children, Jeff Taylor (Michele) Madison, MS, Susan Taylor Lollar (Shannon) Haleyville, AL, Lee Cochran, Auburn, AL and Jay Cochran (Margaret) Florence, AL. Grandchildren, Shelby Taylor, Madison, MS, Delaney Taylor, Madison, MS, Brennan Taylor (Ashley) Ridgeland, MS., Taylor Brewer (Gage) Haleyville, AL, Ty Lollar (Summer) Chelsea, AL, Jon Tate Lollar (Addie) Pensacola, FL, Katherine Cochran, Florence, AL and Caroline Cochran, Florence AL. Great-grandchildren, Foster Phillips, Madison, MS, Scarlett Brewer, Haleyville, AL and Lilly Brewer, Haleyville, AL. Sisters, Patricia Bethea, Pine Bluff, AR, Martha Taylor, Mobile, AL, Naomi Thornton, Phenix City AL and sister-in-law, Mary "Mur" Taylor, Black Mountain, NC.

He is preceded in death by his first wife of 26 years, Peggy Mulican Taylor; parents, Howard H. Taylor and Willie Lee Taylor and his brother, Henry L.Taylor.

Tom's legacy of service, dedication, and love for education and community will continue to inspire all who knew him.