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Joseph Hendrick Obituary
Mr. Hendrick, 24, was born in Charlotte, NC, on April 2, 1980. Ricky, as he was referred to by most, was lost with family and teammates on October 24, 2004, in a plane crash en route to the NASCAR event in Martinsville, VA.
Ricky's strong smile and gentle spirit were his trademarks. In 1998, he graduated from Charlotte Country Day School with his family's affection for motor sports.Wins behind the wheel in Legends Cars and Late Model Stock race cars prepared him for a 2001 victory in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. After moving to the NASCAR Busch Series in 2002, a racing injury prompted him to search for a replacement driver. With the driver he selected and in his initial year as an owner, he won Hendrick Motorsports' first-ever championship in the Busch Series. Ricky and his late grandfather co-owned two of Hendrick Motorsports' pre-eminent race teams, while Ricky's father, Rick, prepared him for increased leadership in the organization.
With his mother Linda's influence and his strong Christian faith, Ricky believed deeply about helping those less fortunate. He never passed up an opportunity to give of himself to someone who needed help. Regardless of who was around him, each conversation with family ended with 'I love you.' He was above all a dear son and brother whose spirit lives on in all who knew him.
Any day spent with Ricky was an adventure. Time with him was like living on a higher level. He enjoyed big game fishing, SCUBA diving, hunting, water sports, motorcycles, and racing. At once the ultimate kid, and at the same time wise beyond his years, Ricky proved to be a successful businessman, orchestrating a complete turnaround of the local Honda dealership he purchased in 2003. He will be remembered for his abundant kindness and loyal friendship, but most of all his love of family and girlfriend, Emily Maynard.
Ricky is survived by his parents, Rick and Linda Hendrick of Charlotte; sister, Lynn; grandparents, Mary Hendrick and Helen Myrick; niece, Madeline Kate; cousin, Alesha; and brother-in-law, Marshall Carlson.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 28, at Central Church of God, 5301 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Hendrick Foundation for Children, P.O. Box 240070, Charlotte, NC 28224 and to The Family Center, P.O. Box 35458, Charlotte, NC 28235.
Lowe Funeral Home is serving the Hendrick Family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Hendrick
Steve Smith
February 23, 2025
To the Hendrick Family. We were watching the Daytona 500, 2025 and were still thinking of Ricky. He will always be in our thoughts
Dylan
November 7, 2023
I'm writing an annotated bibliography on him and can't find many sources on the plane crash
Ricky Childers
November 1, 2020
Your legacy lives!
Debbie
September 20, 2015
You will never be forgotten
Hazel Adcock
February 24, 2014
We miss your smiling and handsome face. Think about you often! Your forever fan!
Robert Kennedy
February 23, 2014
JIMMY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HIS SUDDEN DEATH WILL ALWAYS BE PART OF ME IT CAME ON MY BIRTHDAY 10/24 LONG LIVE HIS MEMORY
Kitty Decot
November 18, 2012
The death of Dale Earnhardt, #3 forever, was one of the worst days of my life. Only being a huge fan, however, just adds to the bottomless ocean of tears cried by so many family members of so many great drivers, such as Earnhardt, Petty, Bonnett, Allison, just to name a few. Racing changed forever for me on February 18, 2001; the pain felt by so many countless others deserves only my deep respect, and wishes for healing for broken hearts everywhere.
Tammey James
July 23, 2012
My prayers go out to Emily and Ricki. I never knew Ricky, but from what I have heard he was an incredible person. I wish you both forever happiness. I truly believe that Ricky wants you to live, laugh, and love again. I pray you have found this in Jef. He seems to be a perfect match for you and Ricki.
Mr and Mrs Hendricks, I am very sorry for your loss. God bless you all!
steve huff
April 3, 2011
Ricky was a friend of mind when I lived in Cornelius. I now live in Seattle and still think of Ricky often. Rick SR and Mrs H should be proud of a very nice and respectable young man they raised. God Bless the Hendricks family
Alicia Boudreaux
March 14, 2011
To Emily and your daughter Ricky,
I hope he stays in your heart forever and ever. I know that Brad Womack is gonna be the best man he can be to you. May God and all the Saints and Angels be with you, him, and ya'lls family
vickie mayberry
March 1, 2011
my heart goes out to Emily. I know your love was so read with Ricky and i believe got brought Brad here to help you move on with your life and be there for little ricky. god bless you
rebecca chatlos
October 25, 2008
God bless you and your family.
tony tarr
October 26, 2006
may god bless you and your famliy
Annette Dusseau
October 25, 2006
God Bless You all.Keep your faith and God will be there.
Catch a fallin star and
put it in your pocket.
These are Kisses for all the loved ones in Heaven
Stefanie Thompson
October 23, 2006
There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of Ricky, or anyone else on that plane. Nascar now has 10 Angels watching over them. May God be with Ricky's family and the families of those involved. Special Blessings to his daughter Ricki. Her daddy will always be watching over her and her mom.
Jay and Kandi Denry
October 23, 2006
Prayers to the Hendrick family and those lost that day and God bless you all.
October 7, 2006
What can one say to a man like Rick Hendricks who has gained so much and lost so much in his life? A GOOD name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one`s birth.
amy walls
August 25, 2006
the nascar world suffered a huge lose that day he would of done great things for this sport
Tabbie Horan
August 10, 2006
I cant believe its alomost 2 years....such a horrible tragety. We all have made it through.....and the beautiful little girl (ricki) is adorable.....looks so much like her daddy...if anyone wants to see pictures of her email me at [email protected] i would be more than glad to show u
jennifer hernadez
June 20, 2006
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Amanda King
October 25, 2005
Never having the chance to meet Ricky makes me upset. I hear he was a great guy. I have been a fan of Hendricks Motorsports for as long as I can remember. Being in the Navy I was out to sea when the accident happened last year and my dad emailed me with the news. To this day I am still shocked. Ricky will be missed as will the others. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hendricks family and team. Keep your heads up Ricky and everyone else is watching you.
Jessica Creasy
October 25, 2005
I can't believe a year has come and gone. There are somethings in life that are just unforgettable from the moment you lay sight on them... Ricky's smile is one of them. Everytime I think of Ricky, I think of his smile and how it could light up an entire room. Mr. and Mrs. Hendrick, Lynn, Marshall and baby Ricki... I pray for you always.
Sasha Daugherty
October 24, 2005
I can't believe its been a year! I still miss Ricky and always will. The Hendrick family has been in my thoughts and prays and with the new baby I know Ricky will live on! I miss you Ricky!!!
Margaret Jennette
October 24, 2005
I Love Nascar to death. I LOVE Hendrick Motorsports so much. I Miss Ricky so much and i know everybody does. But i wonted to say that it was really really nice of Jeff Gordon to tell his crew and alot of his fans. TO turn thier hats backwords because that is how Ricky Hendrick's had his hat on alot. I know that Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, and Brian Vickers miss Ricky alot. And everybody knows that Rick Hendrick missess Ricky more than anybody in the WORLD.
Candi Faircloth
October 24, 2005
I miss you Ricky On this Day and everyday all of you are in my thoughts and prayers and so are all of your familys Rest In Peace Ricky, John ,Kimberly and Jennifer,Randy Dorton, Jeff Turner,Scott Latham, Joe Jackson, Dick Tracy and Liz Morrison. Rest In Peace I miss you all.
Leslie
October 24, 2005
One year ago today we all gained an angel in our lives. In this last year Ricky has shown me in so many different ways that he is looking out for me, as he is all of you. I want to send my love to Ricky's famliy... you are in my prayers. I honor Ricky today and always!
Dawne Keen
October 24, 2005
I've thought of this day often during the last year. I think about your family and your new daughter(Ricki). I never met you but you must have been quite a person. I wish your family well and comfort during this time.
Jennifer
October 24, 2005
It's so very hard to believe that it has been one year since the tragedy that took Ricky from his family, friends and fans. Time really does go by so fast.
I firmly believe that God has a plan for everyone and everything. He called Ricky home that day, but He gave Ricky's family the gift of little Josephine Riddick 'Ricki'. I pray that she will always be a bright presence in the lives of those people who knew and loved her daddy. I imagine he would have made a great daddy had he been given the chance.
God bless the Hendrick family as well as the families of all those lost on October 24, 2004. May God's love heal your heart and soothe your soul.
Nick Bedwell
October 23, 2005
Ricky i miss you.I remeber when you were in victory lane with my favorite driver Brian Vickers after he won the Busch series and you were doing what yo did best smiling away.You had to retire but thats what you wanted and you made a good choice. I know you were there this year in victory lane with Jeff Gordon and your hat turned back and your face lit up with that smile of yours.
-I miss you ricky
Gracie Williams
October 22, 2005
Hey! Ricky was one of the best. I can't believe it's been a year already!!! Loves yas and stay strong!!
Love <3,
Gracie
Rusty (Leslie) Burton
October 22, 2005
It is hard to believe a year has gone by already, as losing 10 wonderful Hendrick family members and associates is still so fresh in my mind. My thoughts and prayers to all. Especially at Martinsville as I know it will be a tough race, but through the Grace of God, He will make it possible. I hope Jeff, Jimmie, Kyle or Brian can bring home a victory there to further honor the memory of those lost. God Bless you all.
In Love and Prayers,
Annette Dusseau
October 22, 2005
God Bless You All. This has been a trying year. Its hard to believe its been one year already. You have went thru a death of a child which no parent should have to. Now You went thru a birth of a new grandbaby what a joy in its self. But as life goes on just remember that Your little angel Ricki is sent from Your big Angel Ricky from above. He is looking down on You all every minute of every day. I Love You God Bless
Carmon Dye
October 21, 2005
On this one year anniversary my thoughts are with you and all the families as I'am sure the whole racing world is.
Carmon Dye
Sallie Hoekema
October 20, 2005
I am thinking and praying for all of the Hendrick family. Seems time goes by so fast.To believe it has been a year since this terrible tragedy that took so many loved ones,friends,and members of such a great organization is hard to comprehend. I find this too much to bear.I proudly wear my Hendrick wristband to this day.In memory of all whose lives were taken to Heaven. They are at peace, and watching over all drivers and everyone involved with Nascar Racing.My heart goes out to them and Jeff,Jimmie,Brian,Kyle,and Terry. I am thinking of all the drivers,and the whole Hendrick family . In closing,it is a very sad day for the race in Martinsville.Jimmie or Jeff,WIN BIG for those in heaven watching you.Make them proud!! Rick,I have a heavy heart for you and your team!!! Hang in there,God is with all of you!!!
Sallie Hoekema
Manhattan,Mt. I am a loyal Jeff Gordon fan forever!!
Candi Faircloth
October 20, 2005
To the Hendrick's Congrats on the birth of Ricki and may you have peace in the sorroful time of the aniversiary of the crash. they are always in my heart. and so are you and your family.and in my prayers.
Candi Faircloth
October 20, 2005
To the Hendrick's Congrats on the birth of Ricki and may you have peace in the sorroful time of the aniversiary of the crash. they are always in my heart. and so are you and your family.
Courtney Stump
October 20, 2005
Can't believe it has been almost a year. Very sad. Thoughts and Prayers to the entire Hendrick family and everyone else involved. You will never be forgoting in my mind.
Nannette Johnstone
October 19, 2005
Gone but definitely NOT forgotten.
You are all always in our hearts.
Aimee Puckhaber
August 29, 2005
Though some time has gone by, you are still not forgotten..
Aimee
Bethany M
August 20, 2005
I would just like to say that my thoughts and prayers are still with the Hendrick family and everyone else involved in that shocking tragedy all these months later. I would also like to congratulate Ricky and Emily on baby Ricki. I believe she is truly a gift from Heaven. God bless you, and good luck to all the Hendrick teams!
Karen Taylor
July 30, 2005
Congratulations to the Hendrick family on the birth of "Ricki" God Bless You All.
Clayton & Linda Baker
July 29, 2005
Angels are looking down at your family
Dawne Keen
July 28, 2005
Congratulations to Emily and the Hendrick family on the birth of Ricki.. This is such a miracle. Ricki is definitely a gift from God. God bless you..
Marjorie Gardiner
July 28, 2005
Congratulations to the whole Hendricks Family on the birth of little "Ricki". I know that she will not take the place of Ricky but she will help the pain that is in your hearts be lighter. She will be loved by all.
Tabitha Horan
July 27, 2005
I want to say congradulations on the grandbaby im sure he will be like ricky. I have a special message for Emily. I am sorry he left you and Josephine so soon. He was a great person and he loved you all so much
GOD BLESS
LIFE IS A TEAM SPORT.
Margaret Jennette
July 3, 2005
I know i just wrote. But i 4 got 2 tell u that. im 12 and i loved and love today Ricky. I wished that crashed never happen. im writin this as A jEff Gordon and a Hendrick Motorsports fan. I Love Ricky and he was a great man.
Margaret Jennette
July 3, 2005
I won't to say Sorry about your loss Rick Hendrick and the Hendrick Motorsports. Rick congratulate u on ur grandchild. When i see Brian Vickers and Kyle Busch i see Ricky. and remeber how they worked togather.
Lauren Price
July 3, 2005
I was so deeply saddened when I heard about the plane crash and who was on the plane. Ricky was an amazing person. I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but I could still tell he was special. The night of the crash I was laying in bed and I began thinking about life. Im 15 and even though Ricky was 10yrs older than me he was still young. I thought if Ricky can die so can I at such a young age. My perspective on life changed and my attitude changed. Ive started living each day to its fullest and laughing more and crying less because for every tear you cry thats a moment of laughter that you will never have. I greet people with a smile just like Ricky would do. Its hard to think that the death of someone could change another persons life especially someone I never knew. I miss Ricky and not a day goes by that I dont think of him. He was a great person with so much more life to live, but his time was up it was time for him to go. God waved the flag and checkered him to heaven.
"I see the gates Ricky youre the first one by.
Godspeed you to heaven
I love you. Goodbye."
I know one day I will get to meet the man who changed my lfe. I cant wait for that day. But until that day comes Ill keep on living life the way I learned from Ricky.
Jennifer Webster
July 2, 2005
I want to congratulate the entire Hendrick family on the birth of
Josephine Riddick "Ricki" Hendrick
on June 29th. I hope Emily, baby and the Hendrick's are doing okay. I think of Ricky when I see the 25 car. My thoughts and prayers are still with the your entire family.
Sallie Hoekema
April 4, 2005
I just want you to know I am praying for all of the Hendrick families,and members who lost loved ones.I have been told "time is a great healer". Only the Lord knows.I am sure it is very hard to deal with birthdays ,anniversaries,and holidays without these very special people to share it with.I have never met any of these,but feel the loss as a Jeff Gordon and Hendrick Motor Sports fan. I just wished I could have met such a wonderful young man.I understand Ricky had a very big heart and loved everyone,he had no enemies. I am sure he had a heart of gold. I just wanted to say Happy Birthday Ricky,even though you are in Heaven,you are not forgotten.I know this is very hard for Brian.
Lissa Wallace
April 4, 2005
I know I signed this already, but I just wanted to say Happy Birthday, Ricky! We all miss you so much.
*Lissa*
michael drivas
April 4, 2005
You are not for 4 gotten!
Lisa Moore
April 3, 2005
Thinking of Ricky and his family on this day and every day. We all really miss him. Happy Birthday, Ricky.
Dawne Keen
April 3, 2005
Ricky.. I am thinking of you on this day. I never met you but pray for your family and the Dorton, Lathram, Morrisey, Tracy, Turner and Jackson families every night. I believe that yesterday was your birthday. I know that you will be truly missed.
B Burns
April 2, 2005
To the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones; know that God is by your side everyday.
Ricky, thank you for being you.
Through his kind heart and zeal for life he naturally gave others an opportunity to shine. Expressed in his own way if only through a grin, it was like we were all the best of friends. Remember how you walked beside Ricky, from the racetrack to the lake or anywhere in between and as the sun drops behind the trees savor the sweetness from its gleam. Ricky would want everyone to have fun at work and play, love your family and friends, and to build on your personal relationship with god everyday.
Ashley UnKnown
February 20, 2005
I have to say I'm crying as i'm writeing this.I'm only 12 and i am all about NASCAR. I'ts a big part of my life. I'm a huge huge Brian Vickers fan, thats how i know about LiL'Ricky. This is my first tradgety in Nascar and i also lost somebody close to me in 2003.What i am trying to get at is i feel so bad for anybody affected by this.I know i know have a little peice of my heart is gone because of this.
Love,
Ashley
Kevin Rosenthal
February 18, 2005
I just want to tell the Hendrick family I'm very sorry for your loss. Keep your heads up!
jeff stamps
January 30, 2005
I would just like to give my condolences. I met Ricky once and thought he was great. God Bless you all.
Logan Swisher
January 16, 2005
Mr.& Mrs. Hendrick, Lynn, Marshall, and family---I still cannot find the words to describe this devestating loss. My prayers, heart, and thoughts are with you all.Ricky was one of the most important and special people to have ever come into my life--thank you for sharing him and the memories. I'm here for you all always. -With Love, Logan
Ricky-to sum up what you meant and taught me would never do it justice! Thank you for teaching me to love. This could never be a goodbye--it's only the begining! Until I see you again, the thought your watching over is enough!Good-night,sweet dreams, I love you!
-Always, Me
Justin Otero
January 13, 2005
the sport and the family and fans of you and hendrick motorsports will forever remember you in our hearts.
Candace Dorton
January 8, 2005
Ricky this sport will miss you alot. but may none of us ever forget the stuff you have did for the sport. you'll always be in our hearts Ricky!
Wendy Belk
January 6, 2005
My name is Wendy, I didnt know Ricky very well but I am saddened by the loss. I am Ken Belk's daughter and I remember playing at the house when we were just little kids with Ricky and Lynn. My deepest thoughts go out to the family. You are all in my prayers
Yvonne Panno
December 30, 2004
My families prayers and thought are with you all during these hard times.
Stefanie
December 28, 2004
I want to say that my thoughts and prayers are still with everyone involved....there isn't a day that goes by that I don't at some point think about someone if not all of them that were on that plane....One thing I will never forget though is the big smile on Ricky's face when he congratulated Brian Vickers on their championship in 2003 that is how I will always remember Ricky with that million dollar smile on his face....and I hope and pray that I will one day see that same smile on Brian's face when he wins a Nextel Cup championship becuase he knows that Ricky is right there beside him with his hat on backwards and a smile on his face
Dawne Keen
December 28, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with your family every day. I pray for your strength and courage as you go through your days.
Thomas Hilburn
December 26, 2004
As one who has lost a son of 21 in an auto wreck in 1989, I would like to express my condolances to all. I know that all of us who have lost loved ones in these type accidents wonder about the road not taken and what if we had done things different. I know now there is no right or wrong answer to the "what if" that haunts us through the rest of our lives.I live on as I pray all of you can, with the expectation of being re-united with our loved ones through out eternity.
Don Goodman
December 15, 2004
It says all on the hoods of the Hendrick cars
You will always be in our hearts
Whenever we see the 5 Busch car, we will see Ricky there
The rest are remembered too in the jobs they did well for Hendrick and for Tony Stewart and for our country
William Bush
December 12, 2004
I am very sorry to hear of such of a loss of so many great people.I not a real big race car fan however I have heard of Ricky.I have no idea what it must be like for his wife to have lost him and her two girls.Ricky seemed to be a great man and he had two very wonderful daughters and it's such a waste of personality and beauty.It's very hard to know why God allows such things to happen,and my heart goes out to Mrs. Hendrick and I hope she can have a feeling of closure some day,though you will always love them and miss them.And I know she is not alone many out here miss Ricky Jen and Kim though most of us hardly knew them,for those that do it must be a much greater loss.My heart goes out to all those that have lost these 10 lovable people.All we can hope is that they are well cared for.God bless all of them. WAB
Kirk Hopkins
December 11, 2004
I'm are sorry to hear about the crisis. God is with you every step of the way.
Rhonda Little
December 10, 2004
I didn't know Ricky personally but our daughter did. She was a friend who hung out with him and his friends from time to time. She always had good things to say about him. She will always remember him by his good deeds. She had lost her job and called him. She had some experience in a motorsports dealership and he told her he would see what he could do for her. It was a little while before things worked out but she went to work at Performance Honda the week after Ricky's death and she loves it. Thank you, Ricky, for being a good friend to our daughter. We will always remember how you helped her.
I can't imagine your loss. I can only pray that you will comforted by God's Peace and Love. Blessings Rick, Linda and all of the Hendrick family and team.
Ashley Fox
November 21, 2004
This is a poem I wrote after the crash. I was a huge Ricky Hendrick fan and this is dedicated to him, and everyone on the plane.
Goodbye
Saying goodbye is never easy
It's the hardest thing to do
But what hurts even more
Was not being able to say it to you.
Yesterday is just a memory
Your smile was sunny and bright
Then clouds started to gather
For you were no where in sight.
God knew that you were perfect
And the rest of us knew it too
But we truly did lose an angel
The day that God took you.
Daniel & Patti Mumpower
November 19, 2004
Our prayers are with you.
Melissa Wallace
November 18, 2004
*I was devastated when Ricky retired. I'm even more devastated since he's been gone. I think about it everyday. I will never forget October 24, 2004 for as long as I live. 10 wonderful lives were taken and only God knows why. Ricky, you will be missed by me forever.*
Crystal Williams
November 16, 2004
i wanted to say that i pray for yall every night
Lisa Schmitz
November 14, 2004
Rick and Linda: I am so, so sorry for your loss. Ricky was very special, and he is going to be missed. Every day I drive by the Kansas Speedway on my way to school, and I can't help but picture him standing in Victory Lane there, radiating such pure joy after his truck win. May wonderful memories like that help keep him close to you.
Bill Shuler
November 14, 2004
I really would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the Hendrick family at your great loss. Ricky, the twins, John and co-workers, friends and pilots all seemed like very good people. They're now in a place where love, joy and peace rule the day and night. I hope and pray you can find some of this for yourselves in the days to come.
Jackie Welch
November 12, 2004
To all the families that lossed a love one on October 24, 2004: There hasn't been a day that has gone by without me thinking of that tragic day. I can't even begin to understand or know what you are going through but I do believe there is a higher power watching over each and everyone of us and he will take good care of you. My you find peace and comfort knowing that your loved ones are now in heaven. What greater place is there to be but standing at the throne of Jesus Christ! I am so very sorry for your losses.
I would like to close with the following words:
When we lose someone we love, it seems that time stands still. What moves through us is a silence...a quiet sadness...A longing for one more day...one more word...one more touch.
We may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye.
But, little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.
We will see you again someday, in a heavenly place where there is no parting, A place where there are no words that mean good-bye.
Brooke Buchanan
November 11, 2004
Dear Hendrick family and Emily,
Just to let you know I am thinking about you all ! I always heard such GREAT things about Ricky from Emily.
Hang in there EO !!
Love,
Brooke
Leah Osborne
November 10, 2004
I have had you in my thoughts and hope you find comfort in knowing that your family is so loved.
Ricky was such a sweet guy and I know that you have loving memories that you can always hold dear to your heart. My aches for you and the whole Hendrick Organization.
Love You All,
sharon grant
November 10, 2004
God Bless You.
Sherwood Page
November 9, 2004
Please accept my condolences and deepest sympathies. Know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many.
Wendell Keith bradley
November 8, 2004
ricky was a good person and he will be missed, i love his family . ricky is ok now, he is resting.
Larry Atkinson
November 7, 2004
Our prayers are with you and your family, from a race fan.
Larry and Carol Atkinson
Megan Hicks
November 6, 2004
May God bless you Ricky and the rest who are with you!
maxine dunbar
November 6, 2004
I saw Ricky Hendrick, in person, for the very first time, at the Oct., 2004, Charlotte Nextel Cup Series race. I was in the welcome tent when he came on stage with Kyle Busch. He seemed to be quite humble, while being both very good looking, and polite on top of that.
What a tragedy for the Hendrick family. My prayers will always be with you. I know it is hard losing the others, but losing a child has to be the very worst that can happen to a mom and dad. Keep your faith and know that you will be with him again soon in a much better place. I think it is true when they say "only the good die young."
Eric Roll
November 5, 2004
Rest in peace, Ricky. We'll miss you. Be sure to say hi to all the guys who have gone before you!
Donnie Martin
November 4, 2004
I send out my deepest heartfelt sympathy to Rick,Linda and the whole Hendrick motorsports family.
The loss of a motorsport giant is felt by the many family,friends and fans. Ricky is gone now to a much better place and Im certain he will be in the big Grandstand in the sky watching his fellow team mates and many friends race this weekend as this was one of his greatest loves.
We will always miss you but will keep you in our hearts memories and prayers.
RIP My young friend I know god has a plan for you.
Mal Bumgarner
November 4, 2004
I remember Ricky being Rick and Linda's little toe-haired 2 year old running around City Chevrolet so many years ago. I was just a car salesman, but I looked up to Rick and admired the whole Hendrick family, and having kids Ricky's age, I just fell in love with Ricky.
I was so sad when I heard about Poppa Joe passing away, but my heart just broke when I heard of this sad news.
May God heal your hearts.
Michelle Dayvault
November 4, 2004
Peace be with you and your family. We are all very saddened by loosing such a young, handsome and upcoming star. God has plans for us all & yours was just cut too short. You and your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Christina Palmer
November 4, 2004
Ricky,
We'll miss you and I wanna thank you for what you've done for Brian Vickers....He's my favorite driver and of course you were too when you were in Bush and Truck.....I hope to see you in Heaven soon!!!...We love and miss you!!
Carol Roll
November 4, 2004
I had the pleasure of meeting Ricky on several different occasions as I have alot of friends on teams with all 3 divisions of NASCAR. He was a very friendly, warm person. I'll miss him when I go to the events in the future. He always had a smile on his face and was very good with the fans.
TERRY LIGHTNER
November 4, 2004
I AM SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I KNOW WHAT IT IS TO LOSE A SON. MY SON WAS 29, WHEN HE DIED. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.
Patty Haynes
November 3, 2004
To the Hendrick Family:
We all grieve in different ways,
and I seem to express mine thru
poetry….thus the following as one
who emphathizes for you and your
loss……………..
My grief was overwhelming
My pain would not subside
My heart could not accept this loss
My precious son had died
I questioned, as a mortal
He had so much to give
Why did he have to die so young?
I want my son to live!
I want to see his golden hair,
his smile… to hear his voice.
I want the clock of mortal time
Turned back…but I know, there is no choice.
You called to him and brought him close
While I was unaware
You told him he was needed in heaven
No longer here, but there.
You held him near and told him…
Son, you’ve entered paradise
With my head bowed down
I cried and sobbed, tears stinging my swollen eyes.
There will always be something missing,
From now till the day I die,
No day will be quite perfect
Lord, how do I say goodbye?
I need Your strength to pull me through
As You did in times before
Thought I question the why of my trial
I trust in You now, as evermore.
I need your Angel of Comfort,
I need your Spirit for sleep,
Please always stand beside me
No longer do I want to weep.
Help me give to others
As they have given so much to me
Through these days and my time of sadness
And let me accept what was to be.
J. Michael Smith, Jr.
November 3, 2004
Please accept my most sincere sympathany in your loss. May the Good Lord Bless and Keep you.
J.Michael Smith, Jr.
LaRinda Young
November 3, 2004
Take the Lord's hand and gather his strength so that you shall be strong for others. May God bless you and your family.
James Collins
November 3, 2004
sorry to here about the accident
Charylene Matthews
November 3, 2004
On behalf of my family and I, please accept our most sincere and heartfelt condolences on your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
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