Robert Daniel "Danny" Bumpass

Robert Daniel ("Danny") Bumpass, Jr., 80, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on February 28, 2026.

Born in Person County, North Carolina, on August 7, 1945, to the late Robert Daniel ("R.D.") Bumpass, Sr. and Jane Carver Bumpass, Danny spent nearly his entire life in Roxboro.

Danny graduated from Roxboro High School in 1963 and later attended Louisburg College. After his time at Louisburg, he returned to Roxboro to join the family car business, Bumpass Motors, Inc. While at Louisburg, he met Gloria Parker, whom he initially mistook for a foreign exchange student because of her unmistakable "Down East" North Carolina accent. After getting past the "language barrier," Danny and Gloria married in 1970 and went on to share more than 55 years of devoted partnership. Together they built a life centered on family and community and were blessed with two daughters, Courtney and Brock.

Danny proudly operated Bumpass Motors until the sale of the business in 2000, building not only a successful dealership but lasting friendships with employees and customers who became like family. Because he genuinely enjoyed shaking hands, sharing stories, and serving others during difficult moments, he later worked part-time at Brooks & White Funeral Home for more than 15 years.

Of utmost importance to Danny was being a lifelong member at Long Memorial United Methodist Church. Service to his community was second nature to Danny. He was member and Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Roxboro and the Roxboro Chamber of Commerce, a proud member of the Roxboro Elks Lodge, and served on the Person County ABC Board. He gave generously of his time, leadership, and steady presence.

Stock car racing was one of his greatest passions. Danny owned the Bumpass Motors Racing Team #97 in the Late Model Stock class, fielding cars driven by Tommy Houston, Jerry Shepard, Todd Bodine, and Maurice Hill at Orange Motor Speedway and South Boston Speedway. His involvement with the Carolina Ford Dealers Association, where he served as Past President, allowed him to work alongside car owner Bill Davis in the BUSCH Grand National Series, supporting drivers Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon. Few things made him happier than the sound of engines and the excitement of race day.

In no particular order, Danny also loved his Bassett hounds, Mollie and Betsy, power washing, fried bologna sandwiches, gathering at the "Table of Knowledge" at the Open Kettle, trips to Blowing Rock, and trying his luck on the Majestic Lions slots at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Danny is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Gloria Parker Bumpass; his daughters, Courtney Bolen of Raleigh and her husband, Zack, and Brock Bumpass of Raleigh; his granddaughters, Emily and Lauren Bolen; and his nephews, Jonathan Dixon of Decatur, Georgia, and Alan Dixon of Duluth, Georgia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Jane Carver Bumpass Dixon.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Long Memorial United Methodist Church, 226 North Main Street, Roxboro, North Carolina 27573, with Rev. Ed Priestaf officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Long Memorial United Methodist Church (Memo: Memorial Garden), P.O. Box 310, Roxboro, North Carolina 27573.

Danny will be remembered for his steady handshake, quick smile, and the genuine way he cared about the people around him. A man of integrity, he valued doing things the right way, treating others with respect, and serving his family, faith, and the Roxboro community he was proud to call home.

Condolences may be sent to www.brooksandwhite.com.