NEWTON…Mr. Robert W. Dockery, a resident of Newton, died early Friday morning, June 19, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. He was 90.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Ben Fennick officiating. Burial will follow in Newton City Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Dockery, son of the late Elmer Ray Dockery and Louise Winifred Williams Dockery, was born in Chicago, Illinois, but his story truly began when he moved to Northport, Alabama at a young age. Alabama quickly became home, and he carried those early memories with him throughout his life. He graduated from Tuscaloosa County High School in 1954, and immediately married the love of his life, Geraldine Channell.
He was a hard‑working man from the very beginning. For years, he owned and operated a furniture woodworking company in Northport, putting his hands and heart into every piece he crafted. In 1961, life took him to Tampa, Florida, where he worked with Olsen Industries and Star Kitchens. Even then, he never stopped building, creating, and fixing—work that came as naturally to him as breathing.
Florida became another chapter in his life when he moved to Zephyrhills. There, he continued to use his skills as a craftsman while also establishing Dockery’s Nursery. He loved watching things grow, whether it was a piece of wood he shaped or a plant he tended with care.
In 1977, he moved to Newton, Alabama, where he planted even deeper roots. He became the owner and operator of Tanglewood Mobile Home Park and later served on the Newton Town Council and as Assistant Fire Chief of Newton Volunteer Fire Department.
Those who knew him will always remember his strong work ethic. He was the kind of man who showed up early, stayed late, and did what needed to be done without ever asking for praise. He was also a generous person—quietly helping others in ways many people never knew. He didn’t do work or serve for attention; he did it because it was simply who he was. He loved to go fishing, finding peace in the simple rhythm of the water and the quiet moments outdoors. It was one of the few times he allowed himself to slow down and enjoy the world around him. He was a member of the Newton United Methodist Church.
Mr. Dockery loved his family with his whole heart. Nothing made him happier than having everyone gathered around the table, sharing a meal, talking, and simply being together. He believed that family time was one of life’s greatest blessings, and he made sure those moments happened as often as possible. One of his biggest challenges—and one of his greatest joys—was keeping up with his eight sisters‑in‑law. They kept him on his toes, made him laugh, and filled his life with stories he loved to retell. Through it all, he cherished every bit of the lively, loving family that surrounded him.
Mr. Dockery was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty‑four years, Geraldine Channell Dockery, whom he cherished deeply; his sister, Margie Dockery Smith; and his brother, Ray Dockery. Though he has left this world, the impact of his kindness, his steady presence, and his unwavering dedication to family and community will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Surviving relatives include his children, Sharon Dockery, Newton, Barbara Pearson (Morgan), Eufaula, Nancy Snow (Art), Birmingham, and Robert Dockery (Leigh Ann), Pinckard; grandchildren, Christopher Pearson (Mandy), Jenny Allen (Rob), Tim Parr, Sean King (Ellen), Nathan Dockery, and Sidney Dockery; eight great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Christopher Pearson, Russell King, Tim Parr, Sean King, Nathan Dockery, and Rob Allen. Honorary pallbearers will be Fred Parker, Craig Harden, Arellious Maxwell, Doug Hamner, Mike Huntley, and Chris Warmouth.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
