Robert Monroe Berry III crossed life’s Finish Line February 4, 2026. Robert was born at Fort Benning, Georgia, to Margaret Berry (Blanton) and Robert Berry Jr. on December 3, 1946. Upon arrival, Robert was met by his older sister, Sybil Middlebrooks (and A.E. ‘Fudgie’ Middlebrooks) of Bonifay,FL, and later he met his brother Duane Berry (and Linda) of Lake Wells, FL, with whom he shared many fond adventures and memories throughout the years, including snowballs and military police, bicycle racing with a German Shepard, and squirrel hunting. When the Berry family moved to their “ranch” in Bonifay, Robert fished, hunted, played football, but his favorite pastime was mechanicing on his first car of many in his lifetime.Then, on his first day at his new school, in the new town, he bumped into a girl who later would become his wife of 34 years. If you asked Robert, he would charmingly tell you that he accidentally (on purpose) mixed their books up so he could talk to her again. He also could tell you about how her hair was braided in two braids on each side, and the brown jumper dress matched her deep brown eyes that day. Robert’s sister, Sybil Middlebrooks, and his brother-in-law, A.E. ‘Fudgie’ Middlebrooks (Bonifay, FL) presented dad with a very special niece, Ruthie Walker, and husband John (Conroe, TX ), and two nephews to teach how to throw rocks and fish: Thomas ‘Tom’ Middlebrooks and wife Carol (Bonifay, FL), and Andy Middlebrooks (Pahrump, NV).
Robert attended Troy State University, earning his Associate’s of Arts in Business. A wonderful family life began when soulmates Robert and Carolyn Ann Berry (Hancock) were married. Robert and Carolyn had two children: a son, Robert “Lee” Berry, his wife Becky (Bonifay) and granddaughter Billi Dixon (Panama City, FL). Two years later arrived Heather Berry (Domingue). With the Union of Heather and Robert Domingue, Robert Berry gained a huge Cajun family in Florida and Louisiana! During the first chapter of his lifetime, Robert worked at the Florida Department of Transportation and would end a 30-year career as the District Safety Engineer, completing many successful projects with his co-worker and wonderful friend, Ronnie Daniels and Betty (Chipley, FL). When off work, Robert enjoyed fishing with his best buddy, Wallace Garner and wife Brenda (Dothan, AL), attending school and sports events for his kids, and his wife’s many choral events/trips.
After retirement, Robert enjoyed working on racecars with his son Lee, who fabricated/welded the bodies of cars, his daughter Heather, who cheered him on, and his forever girlfriend Carolyn, who believed he was the winner of every race, no matter flat tires or overheated radiators. He raced at South Alabama Speedway (Kinston, AL), East Alabama Speedway (Phoenix City, AL), Dixie Motor Speedway (Cottonwood, AL), and at Five Flags Speedway (Pensacola, FL). Robert also had the pleasure of working with Steven Harrison (Headland, AL), who built the motors (and repaired them multiple times). Robert’s ‘Bug Hill’ friend, Frank Harrison (Graceville, FL), also worked on many racecars and projects that they shared.
Following the loss of his wife, Carolyn (Hancock), in 2007, Robert was blessed to find love in his wife, Linda (Wink) of Bonifay, Florida. They shared a love of camping at state parks, Waffle House Dates (breakfast was their favorite meal), and dancing like teenagers to the 60s and 70s music of the Jam King Band! They even got scolded by the owner of an establishment for making their own dancefloor on a table when the tall one got way too crowded! Robert and Linda thoroughly enjoyed any time with their now blended family. The Wink men and their families had many adventures, from go-kart racing, Christmas Land (built by Robert and Linda), and enjoying hot-dog campfire cuisine. Robert enjoyed going to visit his stepsons Leon Wink and wife Joy (Madison, AL), Scott Wink and his wife Crystal (Boise, ID), and Phillip ‘PJ’ Wink and wife Valerie (Bonifay, FL). There are so many pictures of his grandchildren: Bryce, Eden, Porter, Kingston, Judah, Ezra, and Henlee. Robert got to relive his childhood…for the second time…teaching all the grandkids how to race and making them laugh. He was blessed with two Christian wives and true ladies in life.
Robert’s life was a plethora of experiences that shaped his legacy. He would tell you to enjoy life, dance like no one’s watching, eat all the Little Debbie cakes you want, and love one another. Even though Robert’s disposition was not always ‘delicate’, he truly loved people and believed in helping those in need. Being a Christian and giving his testimony to people was something he did without regalia or advertisement. Our family is thankful that when Robert crossed Life’s Finish Line and exited his racecar, he was a winner for knowing Christ as his personal savior.
The family would like to extend their most heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Bonifay Nursing and Rehab- especially Hall #2 personnel, for loving on our Dad and Mrs. Linda.
Robert’s wishes were not to have any service or memorial. In place of flowers, please buy a lonely person a meal, take a kid to the races, go dancing, have a PBR and a hot dog, and most importantly, love like Jesus.
