Judy Allison, wife of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison, dies at 74

By Tom Jensen
Published

Judy Allison, 74, who was married to NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Bobby Allison for 55 years, died Friday following complications from surgery at Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville, North Carolina.

"The Allison family is sad to announce the passing of Judy A. Allison," the family said in a statement. "... She was surrounded by her family, daughters Bonnie Farr and Carrie Hewitt, grandson Robbie Allison, brother-in-law Donnie Allison and his wife, Pat.

"At this time, funeral and memorial arrangements are pending and will be announced when finalized. The family members ask for privacy during this difficult and sad time."

NASCAR issued a statement on Allison's passing Friday night: "NASCAR extends its condolences to the friends and family of Judy Allison, the wife of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Allison. Judy, the matriarch of a cornerstone NASCAR family, provided the foundation for the careers of a legendary husband and two sons who both lost their lives entirely too soon. Her love extended well beyond her own family, as many in the NASCAR family leaned upon Judy for support and compassion during many difficult times.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of a true friend, and a woman who has given much to our sport."

NASCAR Hall of Fame executive director Winston Kelley also issued the following statement on Allison's passing: "On behalf of the NASCAR Hall of Fame team, I would like to offer our most sincere condolences to Bobby Allison, daughters Bonnie and Carrie, and the entire Allison family on the passing of Judy Allison. Judy was far more than the matriarch of the Allison family and the famed Alabama Gang, she was the foundation and rock on which their success, perseverance and hard work stood.

"Judy was the epitome of grace and steadfast support beside Bobby’s stellar career including the 1983 premier series championship and 84 premier series wins, and induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s second class in 2011. Judy exhibited the same grace, along with remarkable resilience and courage, in the face of Bobby’s near fatal and career ending accident in 1988 and later the loss of two sons less than 12 months apart. Judy Allison epitomizes everything good about faith, family and NASCAR. She will be deeply missed, but her memory, impact and incredible legacy will live with us forever. "