Thomas Robert Roberts III's Obituary
Thomas Robert “TR” Roberts, III, was born on December 6, 1938, in Salem, New Jersey, and passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas R. Roberts, Jr., his mother, Regina Whalen, his brother, James Eldridge, and his sister, Catherine Young.
TR is survived by his daughters, Ashley Roberts Arrington (Tommy), Erin Roberts Ryals (Chris), Heather Roberts Morrison (William - deceased), and Terrie Roberts; his son, Thomas R. Roberts IV; and his sister, Barbara Fontaine. He was a proud grandfather to Tanner Arrington, Camille Ryals, Avery Arrington, Evelyn Ryals, Oliver Morrison, Dominic King, and Tiffany Roberts.
After serving in the Coast Guard, TR and his brother, Jim, rode their Harleys down from Jersey to Florida. He settled in Tallahassee, Florida where he started TR Roberts Roofing and met Heidi Fox who became the love of his life and mother to his children. Heidi and TR created a wonderful life together and eventually separated, remaining close.
Between roofing and raising a family, TR also had many hobbies and gave each one his all. He loved his weekly bowling league, biking around his lake each day, watching football (especially FSU and the Eagles), camping with his family, reading ‘who dun it’ novels, and of course racing his model power boats. He also loved animals, including Eric, the over 800 lb. beer drinking pig that lived in the back yard for over 15 years.
To know TR was to love him. He was always unapologetically himself—never overthinking, never overcomplicating. He loved who he loved with his whole heart, and those lucky enough to be loved by him knew just how special that was.
He passed away peacefully surrounded by love, and Florida State football reruns playing softly in the background.
Though he lived a long life filled with stories, adventures, travel, and experiences, being a father was what he was most proud of, and his children always knew it. His most treasured belongings were cards, notes, photos, report cards, honor roll certificates, and clippings—memories of his children, carefully saved and cherished. Those small, tender keepsakes told the truest story of who he was. This world will not be the same without TR Roberts.
The family will host a small celebration of life on Sunday January 25th at 1:00 PM at the Salty Dawg Pub & Deli in Tallahassee, FL.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?