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Jan-17-2007 17:10

Memorial Service Set For NASCAR's

Parsons died from cancer on Tuesday.


Photo: www.stockcarhalloffame.com

CORNELIUS, NC - A memorial to celebrate the life of NASCAR’s "Professor" Benny Parsons will be held on Friday at the Grace Covenant Church in Cornelius, NC.

Family, close friends and beloved members of the racing community who knew and loved Benny will be received in the 2:00 PM service.

Following the memorial, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, race fans can pay respects.

In lieu of flowers, it was Benny’s wish that donations be made in his name to the: The Victory Junction Gang.

Memorials can be made via the internet at VictoryJunction.org

Benny was beloved by many people and your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes over the last few months have meant a great deal to him and to his family.

Thank you for your love and support.

Benny Parsons Bio:

Born in 1941 in Wilkes County, North Carolina

Currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with wife Terri

Two sons, Kevin and Keith Parsons

Two granddaughters, Emily and Libbie

Started racing in 1963 at Mt. Clemens Speedway

AUTOMOBILE RACING CLUB OF AMERICA ROOKIE OF THE YEAR in 1965 (ARCA)

ARCA Champion 1968 and 1969

First ARCA Champion inducted into The International Sports Hall of Fame

Joined NASCAR in 1970

First Winston Cup victory was at South Boston Virginia Speedway in 1971

Winston Cup Champion in 1973

Winner of Daytona 500 in 1975

First person to every qualify a stock car over 200 mph record holder

Retired from competition immediately following the 1988 season

Joined ESPN as a RACE ANALYST in 1989

ACE AWARD winner

Has a cookbook: BUFFET BENNY’S FAMILY RECIPES

Host of nationally syndicated radio show on Performance Racing Network called “FAST TALK WITH BENNY PARSONS”

Inducted into The International Motor Sports Hall of Fame in December of 1994

1996 ESPN Emmy Award Winner

1998 named one of the 50 Greatest Drivers in NASCAR History

Announcer and Color Commentator for NASCAR on NBC & TNT

21 Victories

$3.9 million in Career Earnings

Per Don Naman, Executive Director of The International Sports Hall of Fame, “Out of 526 NASCAR events, Benny finished in the Top 10 283 times and in the Top 5 199 times, making him one of the most consistent drivers in recent history.”

Inducted into The Motor Sports Hall of Fame of America August 2006

Proprietor of Rendezvous Ridge Winery


william halley /chillywilly January 20, 2007 1:05 am

wow im totaly floored im crying im gonna miss you benny


bruce January 19, 2007 5:54 pm

benny you will be missed watched you at charlotte motor speedway many times god speed


Zimmerer Family January 19, 2007 12:08 pm

Benny Parsons never met a stranger, he was a gift to Nascar, North Carolina and will be Missed but remembered by all God Bless and Thank you BP


Roger Fuhrman January 19, 2007 8:39 am

He now has many Golden Benny awards.


John Parsons January 19, 2007 7:58 am

Igrew up about 1/4 mile down the creek from Benny's home place. You will be missed by the Parsons family, but we will always have the memories of the races and cookouts by the creek.


Terry Bennett January 18, 2007 6:50 pm

When Benny first began racing at Talladega he stayed with our family. I remember going with Benny, Phillip and my dad Wayne Bennett to the track. Benny stayed with us during the early days of racing at Talladega. My dad could build the race cars from scratch and race them and Benny looked to him for guidance. We are extremely proud to have known Benny and now "The Race is Won"! Love, Terry


Terry and Wayne Bennett from January 18, 2007 5:46 pm

My dad Wayne Bennett was the race car driver that took Benny to his first race and that my friends, was the beginning of a a very long and rewarding career for Benny Parsons. The Bennett family loved the Parson family and we are greatly saddened by his passing. We want the world to know that he was one of the nicest human beings we've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Wayne was invited to be with Benny when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this time. Love, Terry and Wayne Bennett


Del January 18, 2007 5:00 pm

Race em to the gates of heaven bp


Zachary January 18, 2007 4:15 pm

He will be missed LOVE YA!!!!


amanda January 18, 2007 10:19 am

i'll miss bp to the max hes was so coo.


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