Hamilton Hale 'Tripp' Taylor III

Hamilton Hale Taylor III, “Tripp,” age 79, of Rutherford, Tennessee, passed away on May 25, 2026.

Born in Union City, Tennessee, Tripp lived a life marked by dedication to family, education, and community. He was a devoted husband for 55 years and was known for his warm spirit, steady values, and ability to never meet a stranger. As a child, he attended 35 elementary schools, an experience that helped shape his outgoing nature and lifelong ease with people.

Tripp spent 37 years as an educator and history teacher, shaping the lives of countless students throughout his career. He earned a Master of Education Administration from the University of Tennessee at Martin and remained a strong advocate for civic education throughout his life. He also held a deep appreciation for Tennessee agriculture and was a supporter of the preservation and recognition of century-old farms. A proud Republican Party member and donor, Tripp valued common sense, human decency, and service to others.

He found immense joy in fishing, reading, listening to music, watching University of Tennessee athletics, traveling to the beach, and relaxing by his pool. He also dearly loved his granddogs, Francie and Maggie, and his grandcat, Miss Kitty.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Valli Suzanne Taylor; his father, Hamilton Hale Taylor Jr.; and his mother, Madyline Fowler Taylor.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan Tallent Taylor; his daughters, Jessica Taylor-Mason, and Kathryn Jane Taylor; his son-in-law, Rick Mason, and his sister Mary Beth Taylor Almond.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Karnes and Son Funeral Home in Rutherford, Tennessee. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m.

To honor his memory, please consider making a donation to Station Nine Fire and Rescue,

P.O. Box 487,  570 North Trenton Street, Rutherford, TN 38369.