Navy Tautolo

Navy Tautolo took his final breath and passed peacefully at his home in Knoxville, Tennessee. During his final moments, he was surrounded by the deepest loves of his life—his devoted wife and daughters. He ascended quietly, just as he lived: enveloped in the warmth of the family he spent a lifetime protecting, providing for, and cherishing.
 
Navy was born on February 22, 1960, to Toafa and Tusipo Tautolo in Aunu'u, American Samoa. He grew up on the beautiful islands of Samoa, where his love for the quiet majesty of nature first took root. One of the last of his siblings to immigrate to America, Navy came with a dream of building a better life for his family. He was raised surrounded by music, faith, family, and the natural beauty of the islands he always carried in his heart.
 
After graduating from high school in Samoa, Navy proudly served in the United States Navy. He later established his family in California before making the selfless decision to move to Knoxville, Tennessee, to reunite his wife with her side of the family. Through his unwavering faith in God and his deep commitment to family, Navy demonstrated the sacrifices that love often requires. His children and wife carry forward those lessons and values today.
 
Navy was a true outdoorsman. He was never more at peace than when fishing beside a body of water or hunting deep in the woods beneath a canopy of trees alongside his dear friend, Lenny. There was something sacred about the joy he found in preparing nourishing meals for his family with the game he had harvested the day before. He was, in every sense of the word, a provider.
 
When faced with cancer, Navy confronted it with courage and faith, overcoming it swiftly. Through every trial and tribulation, his relationship with God grew stronger. After beating cancer and becoming the last surviving sibling in his family, he continued to live a faithful and fulfilling life. He was known as the "cool" uncle, admired for his style—or "swag," as he would say—his strong leadership as a father, and his unwavering love for his family.
 
Navy is survived by his beloved wife, Peai Tautolo; his four cherished children, Joey, Sarah, Hannah, and Tepora; and his treasured niece, Brandy. He was preceded in death by his siblings Mannix, Fa'amaise, Iosefa, Hannah, Pitone, and Tavita. We find comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with them. What a beautiful reunion it must be.
 
A Celebration of Life will be held at:
 
653 Briarcliff Ave
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
On Friday, June 26th, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.
 
In lieu of flowers, those who feel moved to support the family during this sudden loss and transition may contribute directly to his wife, Peai Tautolo.
Venmo: @Peai-Tautolo
 
Please know that your presence, prayers, and shared memories of Navy are the greatest gifts you can offer. The family thanks you for honoring his life and joining them in celebrating the legacy he leaves behind.
 
The family would also like to extend their deepest gratitude to the medical staff, nurses, physicians, and, most especially, the hospice care team for their dedication, compassion, and exceptional care of Navy. Their gentle hands and caring hearts brought comfort, dignity, and peace to both Navy and his family during his final days.