Obituary of Thomas Franklin Taylor, III

Mr. Thomas Franklin Taylor, III, age 77, of Monteagle, passed away peacefully at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro in the early morning hours of May 10, 2023. He was born January 15, 1946 in Memphis, to Thomas "Franklin" Taylor, Jr. and Evelyn Carol (née Haun) Taylor. He grew up at his family’s home on the grounds of Camp Unaka in Monteagle, a 1920s summer camp for girls co-founded by his grandmother Bertha Taylor, where he also lived until his passing. Tom was a 1964 graduate of Sewanee Military Academy, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served six years, attaining the rank of Lance Corporal. He completed further studies in art & architecture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Tom was a licensed architect in Tennessee and a member of the AIA. He was an avid student pilot and a member of the AOPA. He received flight instruction from his late uncle and mentor, retired USAF Col. James Haun. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Deborah Jean McCarter Taylor, and both parents. He is survived by his longtime partner, Susan Thomas of Monteagle; children, Isaac Taylor (Raemona) of San Anselmo, California, Jordan Taylor (Lora) of Chattanooga, Rachel Taylor of Monteagle and Leigh Morton; sister, E. Carole Taylor (Bridget) of Urbana, Illinois; and five grandchildren: Niko, Leon, Jack, Alex, and Katie. Tom’s remains will be scattered in a private ceremony at a bluff near his home. A public memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew’s Sewanee School. Cumberland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at: www.cumberlandfuneralhome.net