Thomas Preston Huddleston Jr.

Thomas Preston Huddleston, Jr. died peacefully on Sunday, October 3, 2021, after a brief illness. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Ethel and Thomas Preston Huddleston, Sr. and his beloved brother Geoffrey Edwin Huddleston. He is survived by his wife Jo Ann Huddleston, his daughter Jennifer Ann Cotney (Scott), his son David Meador Huddleston (Melissa), and grandchildren LTJG Jackson Scott Cotney, Jordan Elizabeth Ann Cotney, Garrett Preston Huddleston, Kathryn Ann Huddleston, Caroline Meador Huddleston, and James Michael Huddleston.

Preston attended Central Park Elementary School, Ensley High School, and graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. He was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy through the NROTC Program at Auburn University. He proudly served in the United States Navy for two years active duty as a Civil Engineer Corps Officer and in the Naval Reserves with Seabee units for twenty-two years, retiring as Commander while serving as Staff Civil Engineer, Ninth Naval Reserve Readiness Command.

While attending college, Preston worked for the Alabama State Highway Department on survey crews. Following active duty with the U. S. Navy, he worked for Alabama Power Company in the construction department and in the Birmingham Division as Engineer and District Superintendent prior to retiring as District Manager, West Jefferson District. After retiring from Alabama Power Company, he worked for Metropolitan Development Board for fourteen years as a Site Development Consultant on economic development projects. Preston was currently enjoying working as a consultant for business development with Sain Associates.

Preston actively served the community through civic organizations including President of the Bessemer Rotary Club and President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bessemer Chamber of Commerce. Valuing the community in which he grew up, he served as President and on the Board of Directors of the Central Park Boys Association.

As a faithful active member of Bluff Park United Methodist, he served on the Administrative Board for 20 years and served as Sunday School Superintendent for 15 years.

Those who knew Preston knew his love and devotion for Auburn University. He served on the Auburn Alumni Engineering Council for 20 years and avidly supported and cheered for all Auburn Athletics - especially Auburn Football!

Preston’s family deems that his life was defined by love - love for his Faith, his Family, and his Friends. A Celebration of His Life will be held at Bluff Park United Methodist Church on Friday, October 8, 2021: Visitation 9:00 A.M., Service 10:00 A.M., followed by burial at Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo, Alabama. The family requests that donations in his memory be made to Bluff Park United Methodist Church, 733 Valley Street, Hoover, Alabama, 35226, or to the charity of your choice.