Thomas L Preer Jr

In Loving Memory of Thomas Lockard Preer Jr. It is with deep love and profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Thomas Lockard Preer of Silverhill, Alabama. Tom was a man of quiet strength and deep integrity. For over 25 years, he served the community of downtown Fairhope as an expert jeweler, later continuing his craft in Daphne for more than a decade. His meticulous skill and honesty earned him the trust of generations, and the beautiful pieces he created continue to be cherished reminders of his talent and heart. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Janice Preer, with whom he built a life rooted in love, devotion to family, and the simple joys of everyday moments. He is survived by: - His son, Thomas L. Preer III of Point Clear - His daughter, Traci L. Gordon of Silverhill, and her three children - His daughter, Marianne C. Byrd, and son-in-law Stephen L. Byrd of Pensacola, Florida, and their two children - Several great-grandchildren - And his loyal companion, Bella Marie Tom was a lover of language, music, reading, and especially puns. Though a man of few words, when he spoke, it was with precision and wit—every phrase carefully crafted, every thought deeply considered. He was a natural storyteller, with a voice that could make you laugh, pause, or reflect, often all at once. He had a gift for connection that extended far beyond his hometown. Over the years, Tom built lasting friendships throughout the state—including many through his involvement with the Alabama Elks Association. Whether through shared service, conversation, or a well-timed joke, these were not surface relationships—they were bonds of mutual respect and genuine care. His loyalty was quiet but steadfast, and the impact he made on others was lasting and deeply felt. Tom lived a life marked by quality—in his work, his words, and the way he treated people. His presence was grounding, his wisdom comforting, and his laughter unforgettable. We’d like to close by sharing something he wrote at the age of 18—words that capture his thoughtful spirit and lifelong gift for expression: “I could not begin to write the story of all of my life, nor could anyone, because no one could remember all of the good times they have had. They could not remember all of the trying times and the hardships of his life. I have tried to put the most important and the most outstanding points of my life in my autobiography, instead of the things I just remember here and there. This is my life and my story.” — Thomas Lockard Preer, Jr., 1964 We are honored to have been a part of his story—and we will carry it forward in love and memory. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Mary’s Shelter Gulf Coast, a cause close to our family’s heart: https://www.maryssheltergulfcoast.org With gratitude, The Family of Thomas Lockard Preer

Thomas L Preer Jr

June 9, 2025

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Thomas L Preer Jr

June 9, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Obituary Notification