Robert Middleton DeBerry, Jr, was born August 20, 1939. He graduated from Morrison High School, where he lettered in Basketball and then went on to serve in the United States Air Force. After being last stationed in Dover, Delaware, he returned to Manchester, Tennessee until 1965 when he went to work for Universal Volkswagen. He worked there for many years, becoming the Service Manager and making friends with every Volkswagen owner within 100 miles of Huntsville, Alabama. Robert was a Flight Engineer, operating missions out of Redstone Airfield until he retired to pursue numerous hobbies.
Robert was a private pilot and aviation enthusiast, and he could tell just from the sound of an overhead airplane the make and model of the craft. He loved his farm and the animals that their family adopted as pets, and in particular his beloved dogs. Robert was a member of the United Cherokee AniYunWiYa tribe, and he was an avid collector of Native American artifacts. Flint-knapping was among the hobbies he took up in retirement.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents Mid and Jimmie Lee DeBerry and his sister Carolyn Cox and by the love of his life, his wife of 59 years Ann (Bryan) DeBerry. He is survived by his daughters Holly Thompson (Bret) of Athens, Alabama and Tracy DeBerry of Huntsville, grandchildren Daniel Lang of New York, NY; Tessa Hardiman (Caleb) of Athens, AL; Robby Thompson (Mollie) of Birmingham, AL; and Caroline Stephens (Alton) of Sheffield, AL. In addition, he was “Papa” to three great-grandchildren Truett, Peyton and Reese Hardiman. Robert was also a treasured member of the extended Bryan family he married into decades ago.
Everyone Robert met became his friend. His very special dog Benji was his loyal companion. The family is thankful for all who cared for Robert, and in particular Gert Tverberg, Cindy, Annette and Sherry of Home Instead and the kind staff at Huntsville Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Robert either by donating to the Dusty Elam Foundation (https://www.facebook.com/DustyElamFoundation/), smiling and connecting with a stranger, or adopting a shelter dog.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 10am at Shady Grove Cemetery in Morrison, TN with Tony Hardiman officiating. There will be no visitation with the family prior to the service.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Robert Middleton DeBerry, Jr.
Holly and family, sorry to read of your father’s death. Praying God will comfort you during this time. I’m remembering that summer long ago when we rode together to work in Huntsville.
Holly and Tracy and Daniel, please accept my sincere condolences on the passing away of your father and grandfather.
Holly, Tracy,
Susan and I are sorry to hear of your loss. While I didn’t know your dad, anyone lucky enough to marry your mom must have been something special, and from this obituary, your dad certainly was.
Scott Hofacker
Much Love and Blessings to such a loving family.. A lifetime of memories…May GOD give you strength to get through such heartbreak… I Love Y’all
Holly, So sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. From the Memories I can tell he was a good dad and a fine man. I know you will miss him .
Tracy, we are so sorry for your loss and are wrapping you in love and putting you in our hearts. Please let us know if we can do anything for you. We love you.
With my sincere condolences to the family. I will treasure the friendship we made at redstone. Fly high my friend till we meet again
Roy Lynn scott
Mr. Deberry was a sweet, kind person. I helped care for him throughout the week, but he became a true friend. He taught me all about planes, and different clouds, and how they affect pilots.We enjoyed talking about our Native American heritage that we shared.I don’t remember a time he wasn’t his happy, go- lucky self. He missed his wife dearly. I know he is happy to be reunited with her again. Praying for his family.
To all the family. So sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. Thoughts and prayers 🙏 Peggy Towry and family.
Dear Holly,
I am sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Your family was always just so nice.
I will always remember your kindness to me when my dad was experiencing health problems
when we were in high school.
I am praying for comfort and peace for you and Tracy and your families.
Bob and Ann were great neighbors for all the years we have lived on Camper Creek. Bob certainly knew Volkswagons. We took ours to him for many years. He was a wonderfully interesting man to know. Our sympathies are extended to Tracy and Holly and the extended family. Our love and prayers to all of you.
Dear Holly and Tracy,
We are so sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. My the peace of God and sweet memories comfort you and your family.
Tracy, I was saddened to learn of your Father’s passing. May you find comfort in the memories you share with your friends and loved ones. My sincere condolences