NASCAR News: Bob Labonte, father of Bobby and Terry, dies

Bobby Labonte announced on Tuesday that he and his older brother Terry Labonte lost their father, Bob Labonte this week.

Labonte was a two-time car owner champion and crew chief in the Busch Series (now Xfinity Series).

Our condolences to the family

NASCAR Statement: NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Bob Labonte, the patriarch of the Labonte family.  Bob was a champion owner and crew chief whose guidance helped lead sons Terry and Bobby into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. He will be missed.

This week, Terry and I lost our Dad. To many of you who knew him around the garage, you know he was larger than life. To us he was our Dad and also a crew chief, a mentor, our biggest fan, our motivation at times, and our hero. He and our Mom dedicated their lives to our racing… pic.twitter.com/ew97oN4LZQ

— Bobby Labonte (@Bobby_Labonte) April 9, 2024

He was born July 5, 1933, in Rumford, Maine, a son to Wilfred and Helen Roy.  After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Navy and was stationed in Corpus Christi, where he met his wife, Martha.  Following his discharge from service after four years, he continued serving his country as a civilian employee at the naval air station.  In 1979, he and his wife, moved to Trinity, North Carolina, where they’ve since remained. Upon moving to North Carolina, he worked in NASCAR supporting his sons and grandsons careers.

Surviving is his wife, the former Martha Edna Wright, who survives of the residence; two sons, Terry (and wife Kim) of Denton and Bobby (and wife Kristin) of High Point; four grandchildren, Justin Labonte (Miranda), Kristy Garrett (Matt), Tyler Labonte (Bailey) and Madi Labonte; and four great grandchildren, Asher, Harper, Brooks and Karlen.  He was preceded in death by his sister.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, at Green Street Baptist Church in High Point with Pastor Scott Wagoner officiating.  The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 12, at the church.  A private family interment will be held at Holly Hill Memorial Park Cemetery in Thomasville.  Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Randolph at 416 Vision Dr. Asheboro, NC 27203.  Cumby Family Funeral Service in Archdale is assisting the family.