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Bill France Jr., who transformed NASCAR from a small Southern sport into a billion-dollar conglomerate during his 31 years as chairman, died Monday. He was 74.
He died at his Daytona Beach, Fla., home, NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said.
France had been in poor health for much of the last decade — he was diagnosed with cancer in 1999. Although he was in remission, the extensive treatments took a toll. He never regained his full strength, often had difficulty breathing and had taken to using a motorized scooter to get around.
France was hospitalized at least twice this year but spent his final days resting at home. His last public appearance was Feb. 12 in Daytona Beach, where NASCAR's top names gathered to "Roast and Toast" him at the Bill France Hot Dog Dinner during the Daytona 500 build-up.
Even there, especially there, France Jr., who ruled NASCAR with an iron fist, called the shots.
His toasters that evening were gently reminded to avoid any harsh roasting. France did not speak during the dinner but received guests from his seat on the banquet floor.
216 Entries
sue france vanatti
October 26, 2012
He was a great man I never knew until I reseached my DNA background.
Eric Eugene Davis
August 10, 2012
Bill C. France was a very brilliant man.
James Wilder
July 15, 2012
Allen Wagoner
July 28, 2011
My Condolence to the entire Family.
Mr. Flamant P.
"[email protected]"
Flamant
October 13, 2009
My condolences to the entire family,
Mr. France will be missed by many.
James Curci
June 24, 2007
I would like to thank Mr. France for giving us the greatest sport in the world. His hard and tireless work made it was is is today and i am eternally greatful. My appreciation for doing it the right way and expecting your atheletes to conduct themselves in a professional manner and be the role models they are.
Dion Rodriguez
June 22, 2007
To a WONDERFUL man in NASCAR you will be missed! My Prayers are with you and your family. God Bless You. Juliet
Juliet Hicks
June 22, 2007
I grew up in Ormond, Mr. France will be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with the France family during this trying time.
God bless and God speed
Heather McDaniel
June 17, 2007
When you look up at the stars at night think of them as porch lights left on to welcome Bill France home.
God bless the France family and thank you for sharing your Nascar dream.
Betty Johnson
June 15, 2007
THANKS TO YOU, BILL, I AM FOREVER A NASCAR FAN.
HERB WEBB
June 15, 2007
This nation owes so much to the France family. I met Bill France Sr. in Walkers cay fishing but never met Bill France Jr. My loss. What a wonderful controbution to our country and to the art of creating and running an empire. We will miss Bill forever. God bless the France family.
C. Kirven Mills
June 15, 2007
Very sorry about your loss!! I was in Daytona on many July 4th s on vacation. SO MUCH FUN and MEMORIES because of the Races! Mr. France did so much!!
Patsy Jo Reed Sircy
June 13, 2007
Thank you Mr. France for making NASCAR what it is today. My thoughts and prayers are with the France family during this time.
Monica Carpenter
June 11, 2007
Let me be here to Thank The France Family for all you have done to make racing truly a great sport. He will surely be missed.
George & Faye Williams
June 10, 2007
May God Bless and be with you in your loss. I remember when the Race Track was being built and the Races on the Beach.
Pauline Tyre
June 9, 2007
Goodbye to a man who made many people's lives complete. You will be missed.
Dave & Jan Correll
June 9, 2007
Our deepest sympathy to the France family. NASCAR has been a true gift to the Daytona area and we have been privileged to share in the remarkable vision of a great man. Godspeed to Bill and hugs to the fammily.
John/Betty Greene
June 9, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sybil Holley
June 8, 2007
Having been born and raised in Daytona Beach , and being in a racing family before Nascar. Let me be here to Thank The France family, for all you have done to make racing truly a family sport. My family was at the last beach race and we were at the first,race on the super speedway and a Robets has been at that track ever since. God Bless You Brian, its your turn to step up,and fill your, grand fathers and your Dads place. (NO ONE CAN FILL HIS SHOES. )RIP, Bill
Barbara Burns
June 8, 2007
GOD SPEED BILL WE WILL MISS YOU ALWAYS. Nascar has lost another legend.........
Donna Cary
June 8, 2007
TO THE FRANCE JR. FAMILY.
'' GOD NEEDED ANOTHER ANGEL SO HE SAID BILL IT IS TIME.''
GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Nancy Kittrell
June 8, 2007
Thank you Mr. France.
The Breon's
June 8, 2007
Erin Hart
June 8, 2007
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Linda WEBSTER
June 8, 2007
Thanks for keeping it a wholesome family oriented Great American Pass time. We will miss you, and we are blessed by your spirit. NASCAR is your monument.
Michael Penland
June 8, 2007
We will miss you Bill Jr. NASCAR will never be the same without you.
Joseph Tringale
June 8, 2007
Words escape me as we feel for you’re family right now. May our Lord continue to watch over you’re family and loved ones. May the sport called “Nascar” continue in you’re honor Sir. With our deepest respect in God’s name.
Mr. & Mrs. Lowe
June 8, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with with your family at this sad time. Treasure your memories for they will forever live on in your heart. Remember the day will come when you will be together again!
Tim & Sissy Hill
June 8, 2007
I met Bill quite a few times times at the annual stockholders meetings and he was a great guy, just like his dad,Big Bill France! He willingly signed several Daytona International Speedway history books for me as did Jim France.His mother and dad had also siged them for me in the late 80's. He will be missed by all of us!!
Bob Gehrke
June 7, 2007
What has made NASCAR so different in this impersonal sports market is the feeling that we as fans are part of the family, not just dollars at the ticket window or bodies in seats. That is the legacy of the France family. No other sports fans in the world feel a loss like race fans and today we do feel a loss. But we also feel grateful for a man and a family who did so much to make our sport what it is today. Our hearts and prayers go out to the France family. We were proud of "Big Bill", proud of "Billy" and proud Jim, Brian and Lisa. Thanks for the memories of the past and the ones to come in the future.
Richard H. Wilson
June 7, 2007
I am thankful to have been associated with NASCAR and to have known the France family for many years. God bless Mary Jane,Bryan,Lisa and all the rest.Best wishes to all and God speed to Bill Jr.
Alan Hart
June 7, 2007
Ironically, I lost my dad in June two years ago - he and Bill didn't always see eye-to-eye, but I know my dad had tremendous respect for Bill Jr. , just as he had for Bill Sr. The world is a little sadder now but heaven is much brighter! May God bless you - Betty Jane, Lesa, Brian, Jim and the entire family!
Carolyn Carrier
June 7, 2007
Whata great loss we have suffered in loosing Bill France, Jr. If not for him, who knows where Nascar would be today. I came into Nascar during a hard time in my life in 1987 and found the people to really feel like a big "family". In a world where sports are full of bad mouthed, fighting, beat em up sports, Nascar is a place I can take the family and be assured we will enjoy our time and not have to worry. Granted I have seen some tempers flare(who wouldn't, think about being in traffic and how we feel) but if it tries to get out of hand, they are fined and it is stopped right there. This is the vision of Bill France, aplace where family can enjoy time together and mingle with their "extended family" God bless you & my prayers are with the family!
Sheryl Duggan
June 7, 2007
I had the fortune of meeting Mr. France many times. He was a great individual, willing to talk with you, no matter who you were. He brought life to this town with motorsports and his passion for racing. I have lived in this area for 42 years and have seen first hand what Mr. France has done for the town and for the sport. I would like to send my condolences to the entire family, especially to my high school friend Brian as well as to Lesa. God Bless all of you and keep strong through faith. I will certainly pay tribute to Mr. France @ the up-coming Pepsi 400, as should all race fans!
John Spirides
June 7, 2007
Debra Almond
June 7, 2007
My thoughts are with the France family and friends.
Connie Mull
formerly of Daytona Beach
Connie Mull
June 7, 2007
Donna Cary
June 7, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire France family.Mr. France was a true pioneer that touched many lives and brought people together.keep his dream alive.
Bryan Dylewski
June 7, 2007
Our thoughts & Prayers are with the France family and entire NASCAR community at this time.
Candace Johnson Fox
June 7, 2007
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
PETER SZYMANSKI
June 7, 2007
My prayers and sympathy go to the France family.
Marian Novak
June 7, 2007
Our hearts go out to the NASCAR family at this time and in the days ahead.
Death is certain but memories live forever.
Mitch & Tina Ryan
June 7, 2007
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Keith Seagle
June 7, 2007
Thank you for sharing your vision with us.
Teresa
June 6, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
DANNY & BONNIE BOONE
June 6, 2007
To Brian and your family,
Sorry to hear about the lost of your father. I never knew him but heard so much about him in everything he did for Daytona. You and your family are in my heart and prayer, and if you ever need a smile on your face and have good food. See you at Ruby Tuesday's
Your Server,
Rose Mary
Rose Mary Nassif
June 6, 2007
Betty Jane, Leesa,Jim and families. Billy worked hard in the field and became a leader. He certainly will be missed. The Ralph Moody family
Mitzi Moody
June 6, 2007
My sympathy for the family to lose a man that has accomplished so much and did so much for this sport to make it as great as it is.
Rebecca Stewart
June 6, 2007
Nascar has lost its greatest leader. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire France family
Robert Rice
June 6, 2007
Thanks for all the memories over the years. Your legacy will live on through your fans and the company that you built.
tracey laforest
June 6, 2007
Dear Mrs. France, Brian, Lesa and all family members - Our love and prayers, and God's Blessings go with all of you. May the love of friends and family carry you through this grief.
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Forberg
June 6, 2007
Our prayers and thoughts are with the entire France and NASCAR families at this time of great sorrow. Rest in peace Mr. France and may you enjoy the eternal life that our God has so graciously created.
The Lutes Family
June 6, 2007
My sympathy to the France Family.
Glad I got to know you when I was
Manager of Halifax River Yacht Club. May God bless !!
B G ( Bob ) Ginn
June 6, 2007
We will miss Bill's passion, drive & enthusiasm... but mostly his humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sonnie & Patty McRae
June 6, 2007
To the France family; thank you for sharing your wonderful husband and father with so many who were enriched by meeting him.
Kristine Phillips
June 6, 2007
A great man has passed away. Mr. France will be missed. Deepest sympathy to the family.
Ernestine Seales
June 6, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Joan and Carey Smith
June 6, 2007
Dear Bill.....Thank you for taking the NASCAR family to new heights. You have made stock car racing one of the true elements of excitement the world over. Now, you can teach the Angels the Sport of Speed.
JIM Bachteler
June 6, 2007
Brian, Lesa and Family.. Our heartfelt condolences to you all.. Bill will be missed greatly and we know he was proud that you all are there to carry on your family's legacy.
Alyson Kimball & Tommy Curiale
June 6, 2007
Dear Mrs. France, Brian, Lesa and all family members our love and prayers and God's Blessings go with you at this time of your loss of your loved one. "no more suffering or tears for him" God Bless you always.
Jerry and Gloria Zimmek
June 6, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
DeMartino Family
June 6, 2007
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Kershner Family
June 6, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Lydia Martin
June 6, 2007
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Steve & Rita Cronk
June 6, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Deborah Anderson
June 6, 2007
To the Family OF Bill , You are all in are thoughts And Prayer..
He will always Be in are hearts he and his Father had bought so much love of racing into are lives, Ive always been #3 Fan but Ill always watch the races and if I can go Ill be there .. Dearly missed ..... The William Reese FAMILY (Deland FLA)
Mary Reese
June 6, 2007
Brian, I extend my sympathy to you and your entire family. Your Dad will be missed by all. Your friend/schoolmate from Spruce Creek High back in the early 80's....Jim Beyea.
James Beyea
June 6, 2007
WALK OUTSIDE AT NIGHT---SEE A STAR SHINNING BRIGHT ---BILL IS SAFELY HOME TONIGHT. GOD BLESS YOU!!!
DAVE DANKWORTH
June 6, 2007
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Russ Jensen
June 6, 2007
Rest in peace Bill. As a former safety crew member of the Daytona Speedway up till the 1979 500. I appreciate the measures you took for the betterment of everyone involved with stock car auto racing.
Don Smith
June 6, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with the France family during this time.
Mark & Diane Harbin
June 6, 2007
Tony Fowler
June 6, 2007
To the entire France family,
My thoughs and deepest condolences are with you during this most difficult time. I always admired Bill France, Jr.'s vision, tenacity and leadership for a sport so loved by many. Although I only had the chance to meet him a very few times, he was always very kind and a true gentleman. He will be missed by many. God bless.
Harold Briley
June 6, 2007
I am thankful to have been a small member of the ISC family while working at the speedway> Many fond memories of Mr. France's guidance. Prayers to his family at this time
Jerry Curci
June 6, 2007
Harold Briley
June 6, 2007
thanks for starting the best sport on the planet
MICHAEL PUGH
June 6, 2007
Bill, thanks so much for the memories and outstanding job you did with Nascar. Your vision made it what it is today. Your insite and wisdom will be missed as it is now. Nascar has never been the same since you left.
Rest in peace my friend and thanks for all that you have done.
Don Leo
June 6, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Betty Jane, Brian, Leesa, Jim and the entire NASCAR Family. We all share in your loss, as we also grieve with you.
Your husband/father/brother was a visionary turned legacy in the world of motorsports, and will forever be remembered as such.
May you find great comfort and love in his memory, and in knowing that he is now free of the physical pain he endured for so long, though rarely letting it show. Your loved one braved a fierce battle, and is now in the loving and comforting hands of our Saviour, The Lord, Jesus Christ.
Peace be with you.
Dede Siebenaler
June 6, 2007
Revelations 14:13
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. A Daytonian who was at the first Daytona 500. Thanks for NASCAR Mr William C (Bill) France. You will be missed.
Max Hawkins
June 6, 2007
Thank you Bill for what you gave to NASCAR, you will be sorely missed, but now you will join our fallen NASCAR, Busch and Indy drivers in NASCAR HEAVEN.
Debi Pickel
June 5, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends. We will all miss you, Mr. France
Beulah White
June 5, 2007
I attended my first Daytona 500 in 1970 and I've been a fan since then. Thank you, Mr. France, for your vision and for creating a sport that I've enjoyed with my husband and children for many years. I look forward to enjoying it with my grandchildren.
Sue Holbrook
June 5, 2007
I have been a fan of NASCAR all my adult life. Thank you, France Family, for providing me an enjoyment that I look forward to each week.
Frank Peek
June 5, 2007
to betty,brian,lesa and the entire france family my thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time
randi king
June 5, 2007
Nascar family: Dont be sad too long,Mr France will be in attendance at all racing events in spirit in the pits,grandstand,the crowd, overseeing the show and fans he so loved.
Dave Campbell
June 5, 2007
RIP, hope you and Dale have a good time tradin' stories. Your contribution to our great sport will be missed.
Mary Lou
June 5, 2007
Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends. Bill France Jr will be truely missed.
Tonya McCracken
June 5, 2007
I was so very sorry to here about the death in your family
my prayers are with your family at this time of need
Aaron O'dwyer
June 5, 2007
TO THE FRANCE FAMILY: OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF YOU. HE WAS A TRUE PIONEERING REBEL TO 'MARKET' THE RACING INDUSTRY THE WAY HE DID SO MILLIONS COULD ENJOY THE SPORT. MAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT HE IS NO LONGER SUFFERING FROM HIS ILLNESS & ONE GLORIOUS DAY YOU WILL BE RE-UNITED. GOD BE WITH YOU & COMFORT YOU ALWAYS
Glenn & Joann Rafter
June 5, 2007
Such a great loss for the entire Nascar family. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family, friends and the lives he touched. Our prayers will be with you. May God bless you in this time of sorrow.
Sandra Bayron
June 5, 2007
Thank you Bill for making NASCAR what it is today, and for carrying on your fathers dream. You will always be remembered!
**48** Tonia Hughes
June 5, 2007
Truly sorry to hear about the passing of Bill France, Jr. He did so much to bring our beloved NASCAR up to the level we enjoy today. Prayers to all the family during this stressful time.
Jerry Langley
June 5, 2007
Thank you for what you brought to the sport like Daytona, and some of the racers like the Earnhardts, the Pettys and others. You will be miss.
Keith Masemer
June 5, 2007
My sympathy for the France family "Mr France you help make nascar what it is today,we will miss you dearly"Thanks for making nascar what it is today.
Carolyn James
June 5, 2007
Thank you for what you brought to the sport. I certainly enjoyed the years that I was in NASCAR as a mechanic and pit crew man. May God grant you and your family a special blessing.
Carroll Neff
June 5, 2007
REST IN PEACE BILL
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
June 5, 2007
My greatest sympathy. Dale Earnhardt and all great drivers who have gone before are welcoming Mr. France to their midst in Heaven. Our loss is Heaven's gain.
Martha
June 5, 2007
Rest in peace Mr. France
Dick Eames
June 5, 2007
Good speed my friend you were NASCAR !!!
June 5, 2007
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