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BORN
1930
DIED
2014
Rolland Beale Obituary
He had pneumonia and dementia, his daughter Barb said.
"He was the perfect combination of a gentleman and a brave race car driver," said Ron Drager, president of Toledo-based Automobile Racing Club of America, which sanctions races and owns Toledo Speedway.
Mr. Beale was inducted into several halls of fame after he left racing in 1977, said his son Gary, a former racer, including the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1996. He was a chief steward for the U.S. Auto Club's sprint car and silver crown divisions in which he oversaw races and conditions. A USAC event at Toledo Speedway was named in his honor.
His hundreds of wins included 32 USAC features, five of which were at Toledo, and the 1973 series championship.
Racing was his avocation, but his job for 44 years was with the Detroit and Toledo Shore Line Railroad, which became part of Grand Trunk Western. He fixed rail cars and, when he retired in 1992, was a supervisor.
Born Jan. 16, 1930, he attended Whitmer High School but left to help support the family.
Surviving are his wife, Anna Mae, whom he married Oct. 9, 1948; sons, Gary, Rick, Tim, and Ron; daughters, Bonnie Scorziell and Barb Meyers; 16 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Friday in the Walker Funeral Home, Sylvania Township, where services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. The family suggests tributes to the National Sprint Cup Hall of Fame and Museum in Knoxville, Iowa, or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.
Contact Blade Staff Writer Mark Zaborney at: [email protected] or 419-724-6182.
Memories and Condolences
for Rolland Beale
57 Entries
Kit
February 13, 2025
Rolle was a friend of my father´s Harold Apel. Both racers....hanging out at Donnie Harrels. Fun times!
June 30, 2014
My condolences to the Beale family. I didn't know Mr Beale personally nor did I see any of his races. I went to school his Gary. I never heard any but praise about his father.
Tom Murawa
February 27, 2014
What great memories watching him race at Raceway Park before they went horses.
Roberta Nelson- Weatherford
February 23, 2014
To the Beale family, our deepest sympathies to you for the loss of wonderful man. Always loved watching him race and listening to our dad,Bob Nelson, talk about the "good old days" of racing with Rollie and Bennie Rapp. God Bless you all. The Bob Nelson family
Clifton Harris
February 23, 2014
Needless to say the racing community lost a great competitor and supporter of the sport. I lost my hero and great friend. Will always cherish the times together with him. Thank you AnnaMae and family for sharing him with me. I'm going to miss you friend.
February 22, 2014
Many people spend a lifetime searching for that special friendship. I knew Rollie at an early age when he drove Dave Blairs #5 ford sedan. By the time he hopped into the seat of P6 he was my hero. What a thrill watching him at Raceway Park. Never thought we'd end up working together at the DTSL R.R.Of course getting the chance to help out a little bit on the Rodeo Bar car was ever so special to me. Thanks Donny and Rick. I had the opportunity to spend many occasions with Rollie , ones that I will always cherish. Anna Mae, and all your children, thank you for letting me share him with you. I'm really gonna miss you my friend.Cliff
Doc Tyler
February 22, 2014
What a great racer Rollie was and a true gentleman. His gentile demeanor was just what the USAC sprint division neeeedd at the time he was its supervisor. He was a fair man in a most difficult position and I really enjoyed having him saw the wheel for us when he drove. R.I.P. Rollie and win the feature when you get to the "golden speedway"
February 22, 2014
You have been my hero from the time you were in P6 and for all time. You always had time for my family and me. God speed to you and your family. Stew Baldwin. Grand Rapids Ohio
February 22, 2014
Anna Mea and family, So very sorry for your loss. Carolyn and Marilyn Woody
Apel Family
February 22, 2014
Our Thoughts, Prayers and Condolences to the family and friends of Rollie. Harold and Wanda Apels Kids
Apel family
February 22, 2014
Our Condolences, Thoughts and Prayer to the Beales family. Many, Many Stories of our fathers racing days remembered again today...........Harold and Wanda Apels Kids
Lisa McGilton Hammer
February 22, 2014
A great racer and an even greater person, we will miss. Rollie was every kids home-town hero, rest in peace, God Bless the Beale family.
Rick Clay
February 22, 2014
Gary, very sorry to learn of your dad's passing, my condolences to you and the family. What a classy guy your dad was, in life and racing, he was truly one of the good guys. Have special memories of him and his accomplishments. Got to hang out and talk racing at Donnie's shop on Wednesday nights back in the 70's, also one evening when they tested the sprint car at Toledo Speedway. Crossed paths with him two years ago there, was great to see him and chat about the old days, and his racing past. Have always cherished those times.
Dave Ashman
February 21, 2014
Gary, I am very sorry for your loss. Take care.
Lisa, Bobbi & Catherine Fresenius Medical / TruBlu Logistics
February 21, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Frank Sautter
February 20, 2014
To the Beale family: Sorry for your loss. Rollie was a great guy. Played golf in a league he was in. (Toledo Truck Tube) back in the 70's. Spent a lot of time after playing, sitting on the patio talking about racing and drinking an adult beverage. Never will forget those days.
February 20, 2014
ROLLAND SHOWED ME LOTS OF GOOD IDEAS. SUCH AS HOW TO MAKE MY RACE CAR BETTER & BETTER. GREAT GUY, JERRY OREILLY.
Steve Estes
February 20, 2014
A great man and a great competitor. My condolences to the family.
Zack & Donna Friedman
February 20, 2014
Anna Mae and Family, we were saddened to learn of Rollies passing. Our condolences to the entire Beale Family..
From your winter friends at Spanish Village.
Zack and Donna Friedman
Debbie Dempsey-Hoover
February 20, 2014
He was a wonderful man! My prayers are with you!
The Harrell family
February 20, 2014
Thank you for all the years of love, laughter, fun & friendship, to our extended fanily, our prayers, love & support are with all. (I'm sure there's one heck of party going on up there)!!!
Terry Ogle
February 20, 2014
To the Beale family, So sorry for your loss!!I remember going fishing with Larry and Rollie and I cast the pole and it flew right out of my hand so I jumped out of the boat and got it when I got back in the boat Rollie was mad and surprised that I found it . He said that is a $20 pole never do that again! Then we laughed. He was a great man!!! R.I.P. Rollie. You all take care of each other, Thoughts and Prayers for all of You!!
Shari Kisamore
February 20, 2014
Heartfelt sympathy to the Beale family. My grandfather (LeRoy Cook) and parents (Glenn & Mary Cook) raised me knowing and following Rollie Beale (as friend and fan). Ronnie, So sorry for you loss ((HUGS)). May God give you and your family peace, comfort, and strength during this difficult time.
Anita Naida Hoffman
February 20, 2014
My sympathy to the Beale family over the loss of Rollie. Rollie Beale - a name that so often was a part of our family talks about racing. My father, Wild Bill Naida and my brother, John Naida both knew Rollie and Al through racing. Such a fine, honorable man who now has earned another kind of wings.
Bobby Stewart
February 20, 2014
So sorry to hear of Rollies passing.As a child he was my hero.As we aged we became frinds.He will always be my hero RIP
Kim Mikolajczyk
February 20, 2014
Ronnie - sorry to hear about your dad's passing. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
BOB STOOKEY
February 20, 2014
ARE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE BEALE FAMILY.THANK TO ROLLIE FOR ALL THE GREAT RACE AS A FAN TO WATCH MAY HE R.I.P.AS HE TOOK THE CHECHER FLAG OF LIFE BOBSTOOKEY
Bob Matecki
February 20, 2014
One great guy, one great racer and one who was great to be around, either racing,hunting or whatever. It was a pleasure being in your era. Prayers go out to his family.
Bernie Solomon
February 20, 2014
Our family as one of Rollie's sponsors, when he drove 20 GRAND stock car. He was a gentleman and a friend of many years. May your memories help you through this difficult time.
Paul & Rhea Gontarski
February 20, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to the Beale family Rollie will be missed a fine and gentle man May he R.I.P Paul and Rhea Gontarski
Jim and Robin DeVerna
February 20, 2014
So sorry of Mr. Beale's passing..My Dad raced with Rollie and Al many yrs ago..(Clyde DeVerna)..May he rest in peace..
Tim & Pat Hausch
February 19, 2014
So sorry to hear of Rollies passing. Anna Mae you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. It has been a blessing to us to call you our friends.
Mike Daley
February 19, 2014
So sorry to hear of Rollies passing. I feel fortunate to have had his friendship. He was the nicest man in racing. RIP Rollie. Thank you.
Pat&Dave Hoover
February 19, 2014
Our symathy to the Beale family. He was our favorite from Fremont to USCA. He knew how to push the pedel and turn left. Now he can meet up old friend and flagman Hans Abbott
February 19, 2014
Gary, so sorry your father passed away, if there is anything I can do please let me know. Jim Johnson
February 19, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the Beale family. I have many great childhood memories of fun times with the Beale's and Nemire's. Rest in peace Rollie, Kenny, Mel and Corky.
Bonnie "Knaggs" Armitage
Grand Rapids, Ohio
Rick and Cyndi Harrell
February 19, 2014
It was a pleasure to meet him through the Harrell family, he was a great man and I loved hearing his racing stories. Rick often refers to Rollie as his hero and really looked up to him not only as a racecar driver but also as a truly great man and his friendship will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Beale family during this painful time.
Larry Dickson
February 19, 2014
I first saw Rollie at Ohio Valley Speedway. I soon
recognized him as a special person. I am glad he enjoyed racing as he was a great competitor and I enjoyed racing with him.
Rollie had a great fan base. My sincere sympathy to the Beale family.
Barb Luttrell
February 19, 2014
So sorry to hear of Rollie's passing. Enjoyed watching him race in Toledo many times. May your many memories help you through this difficult time.
Ray & Debi Sifuentes
February 19, 2014
Barb & Larry, we are so very sorry to read of your Father's passing. Please know we are thinking of you with love and prayers.
Norb Miller
February 19, 2014
I remember the greats from when I was a young man Rollie Beale and Kenny Nemire rest in peace
Thomas Schmeh
February 19, 2014
Sincere condolences to the entire family. Rollie was an exceptional person and he will never be forgotten at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Iowa.
John Evers
February 19, 2014
Rollie was my childhood HERO growing up, watched alot of his USAC win's. R.I.P.
Reading 1968.
Jimmie Garner
February 19, 2014
Will miss my hero everyday. Got lots of great memories. Thanks for sharing Rollie with us. Love to the family.
Butch Evans
February 19, 2014
We were able to call each other friends from the time he drove for Smith's Speed Shop in the early 70's. RIP Rollie
Bernie Solomon
February 19, 2014
Art's Auto Parts (our family business) was a sponsor of 20 Grand, with Rollie as the driver, in the mid 50's. We raced at Ft.Miami(now Rec Center), Raceway Park,etc. Rollie was and always has been a friend and gentleman. He will be missed by many.
May your memories continue.
james Simpson
February 19, 2014
Kathy and my heartfelt condolence to the Beale family. May you continue to be comforted by reflecting on all the wonderful memories that you will cherish of Rollie forever. Kathy and Jimmy Simpson
Judy & Jerry NEMIRE
February 19, 2014
A great loss will be with our family. So many happy times spent together for so many years. Your friendship will be greatly missed. We know you are at peace and telling racing stories with all your old buddies. Our deepest sympathy is with the Beale family.
Jerry Sack
February 19, 2014
eepest sympathy to the family. Loved to watch Rollie beat the "gobbler" at raceway park in the 50,s.
Wilma & Gene Sites
February 19, 2014
May the wonderful memories help the family get through this time of need.God Bless!
Rose Calabrase
February 19, 2014
My condolences to the family. We lost a fine man & a great race car driver.
Les Stair
February 19, 2014
Our sympathy to the Beale family at your loss, and our highest respect to one of the greatest and most gentlemanly race car drivers ever to come out of the Toledo area; along with brother Al. Les Stair Tucson, AZ
February 19, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to your family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. John and Janine Geary
Richard Sorter
February 19, 2014
He will be missed along with D[ck Mortermore by Dick and Mary Jo Sorter.We enjoyed watching them race at Toledo Speedway.
Linda Hopkins Nunn
February 19, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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