Sr. Earnhardt Obituary (2001)

Born: 4/29/51 Died: 2/18/01 Services will be held at: Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. The private memorial service for family, friends and the NASCAR community will be televised on FOX Sports Network this Thursday, Feb. 22nd at noon. Visitation times are: Arrangements are being handled by the Raymer Funeral Home in Huntersville, North Carolina. All services and visitation are private and by invitation only. Born Ralph Dale Earnhardt, he was the son of Ralph and Martha Earnhardt and brother of Randy and Danny. His mother survives in Kannapolis, N.C. He quit school in the 9th grade and began his racing career shortly thereafter although he didn't make it to the big time until the age of 28. "I wanted to race," he once said. "I didn't care about work or school or anything, all I wanted to do was to work on race cars and then drive race cars. It was always my dream, and I was just fortunate enough to be able to live out that dream." A dream that has taken him to 71 career NASCAR Winston Cup Series and seven NASCAR Winston Cup Series Championships. A dream that helped make him a legend ended tragically last Sunday when he was killed on the last turn of the last lap in the Daytona 500. He was married to Teresa Houston Earnhardt, who survives. Also surviving are two sons and one daughter-in-law, Dale Jr., and Kerry Dale & wife Rene; and two daughters, Kelley King Earnhardt and Taylor Earnhardt. Fans may send notes of sympathy to the Earnhardt Family at: Dale Earnhardt Inc, 1675 Coddle Creek Hwy., Mooresville, NC 28115. Email messages may be sent to: dale@brickyard.com. Memorial contributions may be made to: The Foundation of the Carolinas, P.O. Box 34769, Charlotte, NC. Condolences sent to our website by clicking below will be forwarded to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where they will be added to the Indiana book of condolences which will be sent to the Earnhardt family. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day." 2 Timothy 4:7-8