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Joseph R. Hendrick Jr.

Joseph Hendrick Obituary

After fighting a courageous battle with cancer over the past six months, Joseph R. Hendrick Jr. passed away the evening of Wednesday, July 14, 2004 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. He was 84. "Papa Joe" was born on October 29, 1919 in Palmer Springs, Va., where he learned the farming industry and developed a great passion for the sport of auto racing before proudly serving his country in WWII. As a flight engineer and gunner in the Air Force, his plane was downed on two different occasions before he returned home a decorated veteran. Always dedicated and determined, Papa Joe raised soybeans, cotton, corn and cattle on his 500 acres of Southern Virginia land during the day, and then worked as a supervisor at Burlington Mills in the evenings. At the same time, his love for auto racing flourished as he partnered with longtime friend, Frank Edwards to win races throughout the state of Virginia at tracks like South Boston, Martinsville and Richmond. Upon his retirement from farming in 1979, he moved to Charlotte to work with his two sons, Rick and John, in the retail automobile business at City Chevrolet. In 1984, Rick founded Hendrick Motorsports, where Papa Joe soon became a fixture and in turn, one of racing's most beloved personalities. His contributions were instrumental in nine NASCAR championships and more than 100 victories, making HMS one of the most successful organizations in the sport's history. He most recently co-owned the No. 25 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series team and the No. 5 NASCAR Busch Series team with his grandson, Ricky Hendrick, while spearheading the company's day-to-day show car operations. In June, Gov. Mike Easley presented Papa Joe and his wife, Mary, with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the State of North Carolina's highest honor bestowed on a citizen for dedication and extended length of service to his or her organization. Papa Joe is survived by his wife and best friend, Mary; sons, Rick and John; grandchildren, Lynn, Ricky, Alesha, Jennifer and Kimberly; and great-grandchildren, Kate, Jocelyn and Joseph. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday and will be immediately followed by a 1 p.m. memorial service at the Central Church of God, 5301 Sardis Rd., Charlotte, N.C. 28270. For friends and family in Virginia, a Sunday graveside service will be held at Union Chapel Methodist Church in Palmer Springs at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Nazareth Children's Home, P.O. Box 1438, Rockwell, N.C. 28138 or the Papa Joe Hendrick Fund, care of the Hendrick Marrow Program, 4400 Papa Joe Hendrick Blvd., Charlotte, N.C. 28262.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jul. 16, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Hendrick

30 Entries

Ray Kasza

July 10, 2022

Eight years has gone by quickly and my wife and I miss you to this day. You were especially nice to both of us when we were at the track. Maria misses the hugs from you and all the long chats. Hope you are still watching over us and all your family. Rest in eternal peace PaPa Joe. See you one of these days when we make it to heaven.

jeanette simpson hendrix

August 13, 2004

Rick,Linda,Lynn and Ricky. So sorry to hear of this great loss.I remember all the times while working at City Chev that your Dad was running racing boats all over the country for you. He never seemed to tire of doing what he loved and He seemed to be such a young man at the time. Of course, Rick. you were still wet behind the ears when you arrived at City. I think of you often and hope to see you someday again in Charlotte. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Jeanette

Donna Redding

July 25, 2004

It is with a heavy heart that we say good-bye to you Papa Joe. But we take comfort in the knowledge that you are now reunited with the pioneers and legends who left us before you.

Finece Hames

July 23, 2004

I just returned from vacation and learned about the passing of Papa Joe. I helped Papa Joe a couple of years ago when he came into the Mecklenburg County Tax Office, He displayed such a good spirit. God's Blessings to the Family

Tommy, Marsha, Barrett Hocutt

July 23, 2004

Our deepest sympathy.

Ron Munson

July 19, 2004

I am not able to express in words the sadness that I feel for the Hendrick family. Such a great loss is difficult to describe. I did not have the pleasure to meet Papa Joe but have heard so many good things about him. He was without doubt a tremendous person. A genuine caring individual. A man that would generously help someone in need. Any suffering due to illness is over and rest assured that he is looking down and smiling this very moment.

Ray & Maria Kasza

July 18, 2004

Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the Hendrick family. Papa Joe was always very nice to my wife Maria at the track. He liked to talk to her about her life and also about his. When I would come back from walking around the garage area Papa would say to me I got everything under control here, go and take another walk for yourself. He was a great man and funny when he wanted to be. You'll be missed very much. We love you Papa.

Nunny & Sherry Nunnamaker

July 18, 2004

Our deepest sympathy in this time of need and you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Loves you all.

In Christian Love,

Don & Karen Carr

July 17, 2004

Our condolences, thoughts and prayers for the Hendrick family and the entire Hendrick Organization.

Even though we never met, we feel the loss knowing how much a part Papa Joe was to Hendrick Motorsports. We have been Hendrick fans since the beginning.

May he rest in peace.

God Bless one and all.

Pam and Marlene Solomon

July 17, 2004

To the entire Hendrick Family, we are sorry for your loss and he will be missed by the Nascar Racing world. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

George D. Copestick

July 16, 2004

My prayers are with you during your time of sorrow.Papa Joe will be watching over each of us as he will shine the light upon us.

Anne Copestick

July 16, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.

susan matthews

July 16, 2004

Just wanted all of the family to know how sad I am about Papa Joe. I have known him for a long time and will miss him very much. I can think of the times at the lake, both in Va. and in NC. He was truly a good person and had a love of life. Even though,it has been a while since I have seen him, I feel that I have kept up with him through Larrie and the racing. If I can heip in any way, please let me know. May God Bless All of You.

Kevin & Carol Bennett

July 16, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great sorrow.Know that he is in a better place.

Jack Martin

July 16, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Papa Joe was a very special person who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Robert Taylor & Pat Hendrick

July 16, 2004

Our condolences on your lost. Even though we have lost touch throughout the years, our thoughts and prayers have been with your family.

Paul Crump

July 16, 2004

Our Family's Prayers will be with you during these times of lost. Papa Joe was a Great man with a Heart bigger than the World and was always a very kind and generious man to all people alike. He will Truely be missed by all.

Betty and George Knebel

July 16, 2004

Our condolences, thoughts and prayers for the Hendrick family. Papa Joe was a special friend and we will miss him. He always had time for us when we visited the Race Shop.

Janie Miller-Jones

July 16, 2004

I remember so well, going by the house at the lake before or after skiing and Mr. Hendrick would be out working on some piece of machinery or plowing a field. He was always so nice to us growing up.

My sincere sympathy to the entire family.

Michael Sheltra

July 16, 2004

To the entire Hendrick Family,

Our deepest sympathy for your loss. It is very evident the legacy of Papa Joe will live on in his entire family.

May you take comfort in the Lord and each other.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you,

Michael Sheltra & Family

Randy Long

July 16, 2004

Rick, John and Family, In 1996, while with Choate Contruction Co., I remodeled the showroom and offices at City Chevrolet. I would arrive early in the morning and "Papa Joe" and his dog were always there to greet me. He was a terrific way to start the day. I am saddened to hear of his passing. Pleases accept my condolences. Yours truly, Randy Long

Pam Silverwalker

July 16, 2004

Papa Joe, you will truly missed. Thank you for you kindness and sharing a love of motorsports. Heaven is now truly blessed because they have you.

Jane Weaver-Sobel

July 16, 2004

Dear Rick and John,

I left Wednesday after the luncheon to fly to Iowa to see my ailing Mom and was called by Pam about the news of Papa Joe's passing. I remember just two quarters ago, having started work there, the December staff luncheon - my first time - and everyone had told me what a great inspiration Papa Joe was to everyone - so I sought him in the crowd and met him and thanked him for all he did to make this a great organization. That was the first and last time we talked and he made an immediate impression on me, his kindness and spirit. My prayers are with all your family in these difficult times but with grateful thanks for the goodness he brought to everyone around him, especially you and your families, to make life better for others.

God bless you!

Jane

Cordie J. Baird

July 16, 2004

I was so sad to ready of Papa Joe's death.

I am Cordie J. Baird, once married to Earl Newman of South Hill. I lived and worked there at Citizens Bank for 10 years.

We love the races and watch them all the time.

Papa Joe will be missed by millions of people.

We send our love, prayers, and thoughts to the entire Hendricks Family.

I hope that all the prayers will help to ease the pain.

Special love, thoughts, prayers are send to Mrs. Hendricks.

Cordie J. Newman Baird

Joseph M. Clark

July 16, 2004

Rick and Family, I was distressed to read about your Father in this morning's paper. Regardless of age, health, or any other circumstance we are never ready to lose our loved ones and especially a parent. The only comfort comes from a real Faith in the Sovereignty of God and the manifested concern of caring friends. Please know we are thinking of you at this time and will hold you in our prayers. You have come a long way since you came up to Charlotte from Bennettsville, SC and I worked with you in the Wachovia Sales Finance Operation! Joe Clark

JOEY EFIRD

July 16, 2004

MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY IN THIS HEARTBREAKING TIMES

Leanne O'Toole

July 16, 2004

Words can not express the depths of the sympathy I feel for the Hendrick family, time can only ease the sorrow but you are in my thoughts and prayers as Mr. Hendrick smiles down on his family and friends today and always.

Darnell McBride

July 16, 2004

SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS. MY

DEEPEST SYMPATHY ARE WITH THE FAMILY.

John Cocco

July 16, 2004

The prayers of millions go out to the Hendrick family in thier time of grieving. God bless Papa Joe may he rest in piece, and god bless the Hendrick family.

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