William E. "Billy" Dingman

William E. Dingman "Billy" to all who knew him, of Winter Park, Florida, peacefully passed away on October 2, 2024, at the age of 78. Born on October 30, 1945 in Norwood, Mass., he spent his early years in Sharon, Mass., and it was there that he learned to work on cars at his father's gas station. In 1959, the family moved to Orlando, FL. Getting his first motorcycle at the age of 14 he worked while in high school as a mechanic and he later graduated from Evans High School. About this time, he, also, began racing in the SCCA series. He attended Orlando Junior College. Soon, the excitement of cars steered Billy to employment at a dealership as a service writer. Wanting to advance his career, he moved to Contemporary Cars as a salesman and before long he became the youngest Sales Manager in the US for Mercedez-Benz. In 1972, still racing, he won the Mid-Ohio Camel Trophy Race, IMSA. Dingman Brothers Racing Team with the sponsorship of Valvoline found success, racing The Daytona 24 Hour Race, Sebring, winning the Budweiser Grand Prix of Miami 1984, winning the 1987 Grand Prix of Miami, and others, eventually, racing in NASCAR from 82-91, and later pro stock racing becoming National Champion in ADRL in 2006 and 2009. With hard work and a bit of luck, Billy purchased the Volvo Store in Winter Park in 1974 with the philosophy of honesty, cleanliness, and customer service. Soon the parent company, The Dingman Group, grew to include: the purchase of the Imported Car Store (now Melbourne BMW and Prestige Volkswagen) located in Melbourne, FL., Southeastern Honda in Palm Bay, FL., Dingman Petroleum, the largest Valvoline distributor in Florida, the Winter Park Marine boat store, and Real Estate Investments. In 2024, the Volvo Store celebrated the milestone of 50 years as a successful business, a tribute to Billy's and his team's hard work and determination. Due to his success, Billy was able to be a quiet patron and philanthropist for many charities, foundations, the arts, and much more in his community. He truly was a quiet Guardian Angel to many. Although from humble beginnings, Bill made a successful life for himself and his family and leaves behind a remarkable legacy. He was a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church and he deeply loved Our Lord. He was proceeded in death by his parents, William W. Dingman and Dina Botti Dingman; and his nephews, Trevor Dingman and Michael Sheridan. Survived by his wife, Debra L. Wert; his daughters, Sunny Dingman and Billie Azarnia (Simon); grandson, Henry Azarnia; sisters, Mary and Naomi Dingman; brother, Richard Dingman; nephew, Tyler Dingman; niece, Stacy Sheridan, and great-nieces, Hayden Nicolette and Ember Paolo. Billy will be greatly missed by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 or call (800) 822-6344 as a memorial to Billy. Funeral Services to be held at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 526 N. Park Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789, on Wednesday, October 16th, 2024 at 10:30 AM.