Roy G. Bennett, Jr. grew up in Tampa as the oldest of four brothers. From a young age, he worked to help support his family and displayed a remarkable curiosity about how things worked. He was known for taking things apart simply to understand them—and, more often than not, putting them back together again. One favorite family story recalls how, as a boy, Roy disassembled and reassembled his mother's car engine while she slept before her night shift as a nurse. By the time she was ready to leave, he had the car back together, and it started despite a few leftover parts.

 

Naturally mechanically inclined and largely self-taught early in his career, Roy built a life grounded in skill, determination, and hard work. He later earned numerous professional certifications, including crane operation and HVAC. Throughout his career, he worked as a mechanic at Tampa International Airport, Florida Motor Coach, Lazydays RV, Mitchell Motor Coach, and Busch Gardens. He spent the final 12 years of his career as Plant and Maintenance Supervisor at Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School, where his reliability, expertise, and dedication were deeply valued.

 

Roy will be remembered for his devotion to family, unwavering work ethic, exceptional ability to fix almost anything, quiet and steady presence, and clever sense of humor. He found his greatest joy in spending time with those he loved and was always the first to lend a helping hand. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his generosity, dependability, and example.