Carol "Bull" Monroe

Carol “Bull” Monroe, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully after a full and well-lived life. He was a cherished member of the Lakeland community for 67 years, having moved from Cobbtown, Georgia. Carol married the love of his life, Barry Joyce Purvis, on April 17, 1964, and together they built a life grounded in love, family, and faith. A skilled welder and fabricator, he retired from Mulberry Railcar/Bone Valley on July 12, 1998, after many dedicated years of service. Known affectionately as “Bull,” Carol was a man of many passions. He enjoyed spending time with his family above all else and found joy in fishing, hunting, gardening, and working in the yard. His mechanical talents and creativity were evident in his love for building race cars and dune buggies, always with precision and pride. Carol is survived by his devoted wife, Barry Joyce Monroe; his children: Joyce Monroe Tate and husband Jimmy Eugene Tate, Carroll Frank Monroe and wife Sheri Whitehead Monroe, and Sherry Monroe Walker and husband William Henry Walker. He also leaves behind his siblings, Mary Nell Brackin and Earl Monroe and wife Phyllis Monroe. He was a proud grandfather to William Carol Rucker and wife Amanda Rucker, Summer Joy Rucker and significant other Cameron Goodman, Austin Frank Monroe and wife Madison Monroe, Theresa Walker Todd and husband James Brandon Todd, and Delaney Ann Walker and significant other Jermain Coleman. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Aden Rucker, Brantley Rucker, Bradlee Rucker, Kymber Monroe, Lily Todd, Avyanna Coleman, and Xylana Coleman, Emily Gretchen Brown and Cheyane Lee Joy Brown. Carol was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Monroe and Mary Lou Jackson; his siblings Frank Monroe Jr. and Mary Ann Brackin; his firstborn daughter, Theresa Ann Monroe; and his grandchildren William Carol Frank Walker, Gretchen Diane Rucker, and Amy Lynn Monroe. A visitation will be held on Friday, October 3rd, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Fellowship Assembly of God, 4405 N Galloway Road, Lakeland, Florida, 33810. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM, with burial to follow at Socrum Cemetery. Carol “Bull” Monroe will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. His life was a testament to hard work, devotion, and the enduring power of family.

Carol "Bull" Monroe

March 24, 1946 - September 27, 2025