Benny Parsons

Benny Parsons

Benny Parsons Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 16, 2007.
Benny Parsons, a former taxi driver turned NASCAR champion, died Tuesday from complications stemming from his short battle with lung cancer, his son Keith said. He was 65.

Parsons, the 1973 NASCAR champion, died in Charlotte, N.C., where he had been hospitalized since Dec. 26.

A member of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers, Parsons retired from racing in 1988 and moved into the broadcasting booth. He spent the past six years as a commentator on NBC and TNT, and continued to call races from the booth during his treatment.

"Benny was a beloved and widely respected member of the NASCAR community, and of the NBC Sports family," said Dick Ebersol, chairman of NBC Sports.

"He was a great driver and a terrific broadcaster, but above anything else he was a kind and generous human being. His character and spirit will define how he is remembered by all of us. Benny will be sorely missed."

Parsons was diagnosed with cancer in his left lung in July after complaining of difficulty breathing. A former smoker who quit the habit in 1978, Parsons underwent intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments and was declared "cancer-free" in October.

But the aggressive treatment cost Parsons the use of his left lung, and he was hospitalized Dec. 26 when doctors found a blood clot in his right lung. He was transferred to intensive care shortly after his admission, and he remained there in an induced-coma.

Parsons, affectionately known throughout NASCAR as "BP," also continued to host a weekly radio program and kept fans updated on his condition in a blog on his web site.

"As my radiation oncologist told me today, John Wayne lived and had a great career with one lung. There is no reason why I can't do the same." Parsons posted in a Dec. 18th entry after learning of the damage to his left lung.

"It will take a little while for the right lung to pull the weight for the left lung so until then I will still need to use oxygen when I walk. I won't need it sitting or commentating races and to me that is the main thing.

"If given a choice between cancer or losing a lung I would say that I got the right end of the deal."

That feisty spirit was one of Parsons' trademarks, and what helped him rise up from a poor childhood in the foothills of North Carolina to a job driving taxis and then all the way to the top of NASCAR.

He remained popular both with the fans and the current NASCAR community, which had rallied in support of Parsons during his battle. Michael Waltrip came to preseason testing at Daytona International Speedway this week with "We Love You BP" painted on the side of his car.

And Parsons was always on the lookout for new talent, and proved to have a keen eye for it when he discovered Greg Biffle and pushed car owner Jack Roush to hire him sight unseen. Biffle went on to win championships in NASCAR's Truck and Busch Series and is now a top-level Nextel Cup driver.

"It's obvious he's the only reason why I am here in this sport; I would still be in Washington racing local stuff if not for BP," Biffle said. "It seems like this cancer thing ... it's just evil stuff. He told me upfront that it was pretty aggressive cancer, but they caught it real quick and that they were on top of it."

Parsons' death comes eight days after former Truck Series champion Bobby Hamilton lost his battle with cancer.

Parsons was born July 12, 1941 at his parents' rural home in Wilkes County and eventually moved to Detroit, where he worked at a gas station and a cab company owned by his father. After winning back-to-back ARCA titles in 1968-69, he returned to North Carolina in Ellerbe to become a full-time racer, often listing "taxicab driver" as his occupation on entry forms.

Parsons made 526 starts from 1964 until his 1988 retirement. He won 21 races, including the 1975 Daytona 500, and 20 poles. He was also the first Cup competitor to qualify for a race faster than 200 mph when he posted a lap at 200.176 mph at the 1982 Winston 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

Parsons ended his career with 283 top-10 finishes, led at least one lap in 192 races and finished no lower than fifth in the points from 1972 to 1980 while earning more than $4 million. He also won back-to-back ARCA titles in 1968-69 when he lived in Detroit, before getting his shot at NASCAR.

His 1973 championship season was built on endurance and consistency: He won only one of the 28 races that season, while second-place finisher Cale Yarborough won four times and David Pearson won 11. But Parsons finished the most miles that year to claim the crown.

He was named one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers in 1998, and was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1994. He was inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association's Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame in 1995.

Parsons began his broadcasting career in the 1980s as a pit reporter for ESPN and TBS, when he was still racing a partial schedule. He moved into the booth for good in 1989 for ESPN and won a Cable ACE Award for best sports analyst.

Survivors include his wife, Terri, and two sons by his late wife - Kevin and Keith, a former sports writer for The Associated Press, and two granddaughters.

Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press

Sign Benny Parsons's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 8, 2024

Noah Skaggs posted to the memorial.

January 13, 2023

Karen H. posted to the memorial.

March 25, 2018

Someone posted to the memorial.

2365 Entries

Noah Skaggs

June 8, 2024

Rip B.P Benny Parsons

Karen H.

January 13, 2023

I knew Benny and Connie their two son Keith and Kevin a great family Connie and I were very good friends she loved Benny more then any thing To Keith and Kevin keep them in your hearts and always remember the love they felt for you your friend Karen in Kentucky

March 25, 2018

I loved to watch him talk about the races.......RIP BP

Harry Simpson

January 16, 2018

Godspeed Benny, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. Racing now in the ultimate venue....

December 25, 2015

Benny was a friend his father was s great man also I am Roger Christel

Roger Cook

January 19, 2015

Listened on my car radio to this great legend win the Daytona 500 in 1975, on the river bank in Nashville, Tn. What great memories I have of this man and they are all good.

Michael

January 16, 2015

BP was the best

Richard Grimm

July 4, 2014

I miss you Benny and my friend Cliff and the races we shared together.

January 5, 2014

We will miss you BP!

Stacy McNeeley

February 19, 2013

BP was one of my husbands favorite NASCAR drivers. Rest in peace BP.

Allen Wagoner

July 28, 2011

Still missing you B.P.

Chris Frazier

November 29, 2008

Benny was a great inspiration in my life. I learned so much for Benny, not only about racing but life in general. Mr. Parsons always carried himself with great passion and love for the greater things in life, friends family and food! We all gained so much from his work. He truly touched the lives of thousands and personally touched my life in a very big way.
Thank You Benny for everything!
I love you and miss you!!!

Don P.

August 12, 2008

Everytime I watch a race, I wish BP was calling that race! I really miss hearing his inside analysis and his sense of humor. Sometimes I watch tapes of old races just to hear him announce the race! We miss you Benny!

Paul Turner

April 28, 2008

I never met Benny, but my Mom was born in Parsonsville and is kin to the Parsons. Her aunt's Lillie and Ophelia and her uncle Alonzo Welch told me lots of stories about Benny. Ophelia told me a story how Benny and Phil fixed a car while on the way back from a funeral. My Mother's name was "Vergie Welch". God Bless!

Chad Loflin

October 18, 2007

I want to express sympathy to the entire Parsons family. I lost my Dad to cancer on March 12th of 2007. My God be with you during this time

Julia (McNair) Greenborn

July 16, 2007

uncle benny i didn't see you for many yrs but never missed a race. hope your enjoying the big race track in the sky win many for me

DANA BENNETT BROWN

March 25, 2007

OF COURSE I NEVER KNEW BENNY PERSONALLY BUT I HAVE HEARD TALES FROM MY PAPA AND AUNT IT FELT LIKE I DID AND OF COURSE ON TV MY PA PA BUDDY WAYNE BENNETT STARTED RACING WITH HIM WHEN BENNY STARTED MY THOUHGTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND I AM SORRY THAT I NEVER GOT T MEET A WONDERFUL MAN

Robin and Jim Barnes

March 8, 2007

We are please to have known him and enjoyed he at the tracks. We will miss you and all best to your family.
We love you.

Robert Faulkner

March 7, 2007

Nelson Ga. will miss you Benny Gods speed dear friend.

sheri fowler

February 18, 2007

May you rest in peace !!!

brian danforth

February 14, 2007

we will miss bobbety boogety boogety in our maine home ...love from maine

brian danforth

Brent Hand

February 11, 2007

We will miss Benny a great racer and fun to listen to. God bless BP.

Brent & Deana

Mel and Bettilee Eurich

February 7, 2007

Benny, we'll truly miss you. Thanks for all of the kindness that you gave so freely to our family. We send our love to your family.

Christy Bjerke

February 7, 2007

I know I am speaking for all race fans when I say that we are truly going to miss hearing your voice every race weekend. You are in my prayers!!!

Ray Tate

February 5, 2007

I will miss you BP.

Julia McNair Greenborn

February 5, 2007

he was a great man from my hometown

kevin bozeman

February 5, 2007

rip your journey is complete

Angela Cole

February 4, 2007

Benny will be greatly missed by my family as a lover of the sport and as a kind hearted man. WE LOVE YOU BENNY!!! God Bless and rest peacefully.

Ray Miller

February 4, 2007

To the Parson Family:
Benny was the most to everybody on his ways that brought the commentary on television and I'm sure he'll be remembered at every track that he raced at and visited.
I'll miss him because of his past of treating everyone to a taste of the local tracks. Especially when he was at Bristol.

Sharon DeTray

February 3, 2007

RIP BENNY RIP
You will be sorley missed by everyone that knew you and knew of you.

JESSE & FANNIE DAVIS

February 3, 2007

TO THE FAMILY OF BP MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU NOW AND CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU EACH AND EVERY DAY AND MAY YOUR SWEET MEMORIES CONTINUE TO HELP YOU THRU THE COMING MONTHS AND YEARS HE WAS A GREAT DRIVER AND A LEGENDARY SPORTS CASTER THANK YOU BP YOU WERE ONE OF A KIND YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED EACH AND EVERY RACE.

Tondra Mann-Niswander

February 2, 2007

Deepest Sympathy to the Benny Parsons Family as well as the entire Nascar Family. BP will be greatly missed by all.

john supel

February 1, 2007

seasons not going to be the same with out ya'.

jeff millen

January 31, 2007

my family will have yaw in are prayer's we love you benny you will be missed!!!

Greg Booher

January 31, 2007

Deepest sympathy to all the BENNY PARSONS Nascar Family.I've never met the man but he made us all fill like family.Hope to see ya in heaven Benny Parsons.It should be somewhat comforting to know that your voice will live on for many generations through all the video games.May God Bless you and your family Benny Parsons,you will be saddly missed each and every Sunday.

Matt Borgelt

January 31, 2007

to the family of Benny Parsons, he will be missed deeply. Every sunday he was the best there was on NBC, and he will be missed. A true legend BP was and we will honor him as one. We will miss you BP. Nascar will never be the same.

Melissa DeCook

January 28, 2007

God Bless and be with all of you in your time of sorrow. Benny will be very sadly missed.

ANN JOHNSON

January 28, 2007

MY SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY. I WAS RAISED ON NASCAR. MANY A SUNDAY I WOULD SET IN THE PICKUP TRUCK TO LISTEN TO THE RACE WITH MY DAD IN MARION N.C. AFTER CHURCH, BECAUSE BACK THEN IN WAS NOT ON TV. BENNY MAY YOU GO MANY LAPS AROUND HEAVEN WITH DALE SR.

SANDRA

January 27, 2007

MISS YOU ALREADY.

sherrie kirkbride

January 27, 2007

god be with you all at this time.he will be missed by all. not just nascar fans.

Robin and Ken Lippy

January 24, 2007

Our deepest sympathy to the Parson family. BP is going to dearly missed by his fans.

Timmie Timmons

January 24, 2007

So many memories you left behind.. I guess I can say the wreck with the Siver Fox, was one, that relly scared me, but what a great driver you were.. My heart goes out to your family, as it hurts enough just being a NASCAR fan.. I will miss all the talking, the food that you always talked and joked about, but in all I will really miss you.. You can rest now Benny, you fought that big battle, now we know for sure you are cancer free..

Nerio Peña

January 24, 2007

I have watch nascar for over years Benny will be missed.RIP Benny

David Merchant

January 24, 2007

Thoughts and prayers are with the family.

David Gerger

January 24, 2007

Benny,
We must go on, but we will never forget you...you will be missed on Sundays, we know you will be watching from above... you are truley in a better place now...no more pain. Blessings to your family in this trying time...
Love always,
David "Pepsi" from So. Calif.

carol simmons hedrick

January 24, 2007

our deepiest sympathy to the family.our family use to be your neighbors. i remember keeping the boys for connie and benny to attend functions for many occasions. he will truly be missed.may god bless you all. the simmons family from ellerbe,nc

Teresa Klima

January 24, 2007

God Bless you all. God be with you in your time of sorrow. Benny will be missed deeply.

Bradley Heider

January 24, 2007

He made NASCAR personable and something very special.

Steven Marr

January 24, 2007

I have watch nascar for over 20 years Benny will be missed.RIP Benny

James Klima Jr.

January 24, 2007

I just would like to send my Condolences to the parsons family. I know this is are hard time but you all will make it through this. I hope you all the best from a loyal fan.

Angela Hunter

January 24, 2007

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

charles johnson

January 24, 2007

aloha old friend . you will be missed.

Nancie Ferris

January 24, 2007

Benny Parsons......., what can I say that hasnt already been said. Hat of the week, Buffet Benny ! You put your heart and soul in racing. I will miss you. Slow and steady wins the race !

Andrew Surbaugh

January 23, 2007

I never meet Benny but I fill the lost. Benny made me like NASCAR racing. God Bless his family.

Dave Henderson

January 23, 2007

You won the first Daytona 500 I went to in 1975. I will never forget it nor will I forget what a great ambassador you were for Nascar. You were an originial and there will never be another one like you. God bless you, BP.

Susan & Joe Searl

January 23, 2007

What a great loss BP will surly be missed in our home we enjoyed his comments every race day. God Speed BP

Barbara & Wayne Ward

January 23, 2007

Parson's family,
We met Benny at the spring Bristol race in 1996. Such a true gentleman! He will be deeply missed by all NASCAR fans; in and out of the TV booth. Our heart breaks for your whole family. God Bless you all.

Skelton Family

January 23, 2007

Please know the entire Parson's family is in our thoughts and prayers. You will be truely missed by all of us.

Lori Triplett

January 23, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers to all the family we loved BP. He was always so friendly and treated everyone as if he had always known us. In my mind he, Neil Bonnett, and Ned Jarrett were/are the best of all times as broadcasters. Racing will NOT be the same as all of these have left us or retired. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Triplett Family

jim klima

January 23, 2007

a very great loss i will miss him

Jeff Allman

January 23, 2007

Benny, after his driving career
was over, was like the John Madden
for televised stock car racing. His
love, enthusiasm, and respect for
the sport and it's competitors and fans always shined through. You were in my prayers, Benny...we'll
miss you; thanks for all your contributions to the sport and for being a decent, upbeat person who seemed to embrace life.

Connie Rocks

January 23, 2007

I'm sorry for your loss. Benny will be missed by many.

Shari Mello

January 23, 2007

My prayers go out to B.P.'s family at this time. May you find some comfort in knowing that there are many prayers being said for you & asking for God to carry you thru.
B.P. will be GREATLY missed when the racing starts. But, I'm sure he's callin the race up above.....what a race it is...all the great drivers that have gone on before! God Bless!

cathy voyles

January 22, 2007

To the Family of Benny Parsons, I am very sorry for your lose i lost my mom 4 yrs ago on the 20th of jan so my heart and soul goes out to you on this sad day in your lives. My prayers are with you on this day May god Bless you

Kim Padgett

January 22, 2007

I never met Benny in person but I felt like I had known him all my life.He is missed.

Joe Ewert

January 22, 2007

"Buffet Benny" will be greatly missed in our household. We looked forward every week to hear the humorous additions Benny added to every broadcast. He was larger than life, and there will never ever be another like Benny Parsons. Godspeed.

Brent Pruesse

January 22, 2007

Benny may you rest in peace.

Gary Alfreds

January 22, 2007

Parsons Family,
I personally have met Benny on many occassions as a member of the Rick Hendrick stable. He never hesitated to stop and talk or acknowledge me walking through the garage. He will sorrily be missed by my family and all who had the honor to cross his path. With love from the Alfreds Family

Steven Cotter

January 22, 2007

God Bless BP's family in this time. I enjoyed watching and listening to BP over the years after he stopped racing.

Gerald (Gerry) Dunn

January 22, 2007

My deepest condolences to and prayers for Benny's family for your
(and our) loss of such a great person and celebrity. He was one of a kind, and a truly kind one. May God bless and comfort each of you and yours.

Rainie Keenan

January 22, 2007

May God bless BP's family. He is up there announcing the past NASCAR races in heaven. You will sorely be missed

Erin Keating

January 22, 2007

To the family of Mr. Benny Parsons,

I continue to hold you in my thoughts and prayers during this trying time. May God Bless you and hold you close.

Liz H.

January 22, 2007

Well I read some of the entries prior to composing my own. Benny Parsons always made NASCAR fun to be a fan of & listening to him call all the races was Always entertaining. He is most certainly among the NASCAR Angels with Dale Earnhardt Sr & all others who we lost way before it was time. You will be greatly missed & are truely loved Benny. Please watch over us all from heaven.

Jim & Jackie White

January 22, 2007

We will miss you Benny. Rest in Peace my friend. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Michael Whitlatch

January 22, 2007

Thanks for the memories Benny ,your apperance at the tracks will be missed!

Ann Gibson

January 22, 2007

May God Bless and heal your broken hearts. As the season starts this year it will not be the same as it was when Benny was there. I hope you as a family will rest in that Benny touched so many people and has completed his journey here on Earth and is now in heaven with the other Nascar Angels/Fans!

V Van Hauen

January 22, 2007

Thanks For the Memories Benny! We loved having you visit Hawkeye Downs and seeing you twice a year in person. You are missed!

Jackie and Gibbon Beville

January 22, 2007

I (Jackie)survived Lung Cancer after aggressive treatment and prayed daily that Mr. Parsons would be spared. I will greatly miss watching him do the job he so loved. God Bless his Soul and be with his Family during this sad, sad time, for all of Nascar Fans.

Sharon Manning

January 22, 2007

B.P. well be missed by all
May GOD be with you in your time of need and give you the strenght you need to get through this.
He is racing in HEAVEN with Dale Earnhardt and all the rest of NASCAR ANGELS

Nancy Katzer

January 22, 2007

I am going to miss Benny!! Rest in peace-my condolences to the Parsons family in their time of loss.

theresa wilson

January 21, 2007

Dear Parsons family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you folks at this time. We were deeply grieved to hear of Benny's passing. We so enjoyed his commentary of the races and it just won't be the same without him. May God bless you.
With warm thoughts and prayers,
Theresa Wilson and Freddie Sullivan

John Young

January 21, 2007

Rest with God Benny.You will be sorely missed by all race fans.You were truly a class act.
John M.Young and Robert Withers

Richard Hogue

January 21, 2007

I will miss you and thanks for all the wisdom, love, and compassion that you afforded us with your presence. Nascar has lost a true gentleman and a legacy that we all enjoyed and appreciated. God Bless and thanks Benny--my next BBQ is in your honor..

Sharon Sanchez

January 21, 2007

I so sorry for you lost. He will be missed by many. But as my day told me when I lost my mom You never lose any one as long as you have your memories. They just went to a better place to wait for us.

craig hannemann

January 21, 2007

I will miss you benny, the brodcast will never be the same without your voice and comments.
craig hannemann indy

chris chinni

January 21, 2007

just wanted to say that benny will be trully missed in the nascar world and as a friend thanks benny for being the voice of nascar and truly sorry to the family for the loss he will be missed thanks benny chris and jim from all american racing toledo ohio

Sandra & Bruce Ashcroft

January 21, 2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Rosa Younce

January 21, 2007

I am so sorry for the lost.You are in my prayers and thoughts. You were greatly admire by many.

Chub Brunk

January 21, 2007

See you at the BIG race Track in the Sky & will miss you till then

Amanda Jackson

January 21, 2007

Benny, I have watched you every weekend for as long as I can remember- from Driver to Sportscaster. You were truly a wonderful person and your bigger than life smile and heart felt laughs will be missed. Gods speed, Benny.

Wendy Wilner

January 21, 2007

Benny Parsons was a wonderful person who will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go you and your family. God Bless.

LARRY AND DONNA LUKOWSKI

January 21, 2007

BENNY,
YOU WILL SURLEY BE MISSED. GOD BLESS. YOUR OUT OF PAIN NOW.

Erik and Shelly Bucklitzsch

January 21, 2007

It broke my husbands and my heart to hear of Benny's death. Although we never met personally we always felt we knew him well. He was a great man. He will be greatly missed.

Connie Cardwell

January 21, 2007

Benny will sadly be missed by all race fans. My deepest sympathy to his family.

CARMA MASSIE

January 21, 2007

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

james phillips

January 21, 2007

Benny You will be greatly missed.

Candy and Bill Barnes

January 21, 2007

We will miss you Benny. Always enjoyed watching you on TV and before in racing. Our sympathy to Phil and the rest of your family. Keep smiling and watch over all on race day.

Steve Muller

January 21, 2007

Godpeed BP , I`m going to miss you.

Showing 1 - 100 of 2,365 results

Make a Donation
in Benny Parsons's name

How to support Benny's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Benny Parsons's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored

Sign Benny Parsons's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 8, 2024

Noah Skaggs posted to the memorial.

January 13, 2023

Karen H. posted to the memorial.

March 25, 2018

Someone posted to the memorial.