Tyler Gene “Cotton” Preston, 30, of Roswell, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on September 9, 2026.

Though Tyler spent parts of his childhood in several places, Hartwell, Georgia, was where he truly came of age and the place he considered his hometown. He attended Hart County Public Schools beginning in middle school and continuing through high school, forming lifelong friendships that remained an important part of his life. Some of his most treasured memories came from those formative years, especially the time he spent with his grandfather and role model, Pawpaw. Together, they tended to the horses and spent countless hours outdoors alongside his brother, Cody, and their childhood dog, Gunner. The friendships, family bonds, and simple days that filled those years helped shape the man Tyler became and remained with him throughout his life.

As an adult, Tyler made his home in Roswell and built a life he was proud of. He worked for the City of Alpharetta in the Public Works Department, where he was approaching his tenth anniversary. He was a dedicated employee and a loyal friend, the kind of person who showed up, worked hard, and could always be counted on. Tyler was also looking forward to the next chapter of his life with his fiancée, Sabrina Livingston, whom he loved deeply and was preparing to marry.

Outside of work, Tyler enjoyed the life he and Sabrina shared, from joining a bowling league together to caring for the dogs they boarded in their home, always treating them as their own. He also took immense pride in his truck and, as anyone who knew him would tell you, he probably would have taken it with him if he could have. He enjoyed working out at the gym with his friends, playing the lottery, and watching LSU football. And while Tyler would tell you he didn’t eat sweets, he was known to sneak a midnight Fudge Round every now and then.

Above all, Tyler took great pride in caring for the people he loved. He was as stubborn as they come, but that stubbornness was part of what made him so uniquely himself. Beneath it was a heart that was caring, generous, and fiercely loyal. He loved making the people around him laugh and had a way of making those closest to him know just how much they meant to him.

Tyler’s greatest love was the people he called family. He is survived by his fiancée, Sabrina Livingston; his mother, Tanya; his father, Jake; his step-mother, Angie; his brother, Cody; and his niece, Ava. He will also be deeply missed by his grandmothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, lifelong friends, coworkers, and all those fortunate enough to have known and loved him.

Tyler’s life was far too short, but the love, laughter, friendship, and memories he leaves behind will remain with the people who loved him. More than being remembered for what he did, Tyler will be remembered for how he made people feel: for his loyalty, his generosity, his stubborn spirit, his ability to make people laugh, and the unmistakable Tyler “Cotton” way of making life a little more memorable.

To commemorate the bright and spirited person that Tyler was, please wear bright colors to Tyler's service. 

He was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed.