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Thomas French
1928 - 2025
BORN
1928
DIED
2025
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Thomas French Obituary
He attended St. Bernard High School and College (now St. Bernard Preparatory School) in Cullman, AL, and graduated with his associate's degree in civil engineering. He attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) and studied civil engineering. He received his bachelor's degree in community planning and development from Columbus College (now Columbus State University) in 1978.
Tom was a lifelong learner with a passion for covered bridges, specifically those built by the formerly enslaved Horace King. He was considered the foremost authority on the covered bridges in Georgia, having authored multiple books on the subject, including Covered Bridges of Georgia, co-authored with his son, Larry, and Bridging Deep South Rivers: The Life and Legend of Horace King, co-authored with Dr. John. S. Lupold. His surveying and landscape architecture business, Thomas L. French, Jr. and Associates, founded in 1959, completed numerous projects around the Southeast.
A member of The Church of the Holy Family in Columbus, Tom spent many years teaching at both Pacelli High School and Columbus College. He and wife, Rose, raised two beautiful children and enjoyed traveling around the South and the Northeast researching their family histories.
Tom died Sunday, September 21, 2025. He is survived by Rose, his loving wife of 72 years; children Brenda Mealor (Billy) of Marietta, and Larry French (Melanie) of Columbus; two granddaughters, Lesley Mealor (Matt Csenge), Laura Holder (Nathan); three grandsons, Taylor French, Ben French, and Robert French; two step-granddaughters, Ryan Medley and Olivia Medley; and three great-grandchildren, Frasier, Jack, and Mattie Rose Holder.
Those who wish to honor Tom's life are encouraged to make a donation to Saint Bernard Abbey, in Cullman, AL, in his name, Thomas Laurence French.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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