Edie Smith, China Grove: Dale was the man in black, handsome smile, the Legend, “No. 3”
Called the Intimidator, a name he earned long ago…
Life will never be the same, especially on Sunday for me,
Without “The Dale Earnhardt” …my hero.
This loss is not only about NASCAR and being a fan,
It is about the relationship you formed with this man.
For years of following Dale each Sunday afternoon,
Like your favorite song, he was the perfect tune.
For many years, my family and I have shared laughter, memories and joy,
Brought to us by this Kannapolis home grown boy.
We grew up with him and our love for him, certainly grew at a rapid pace,
I am not sure our hearts can bear watching another NASCAR race.
However, I know Dale would want us to support NASCAR…
To cheer for his sons, following his dream that he worked so hard for.
Dale, a great role model of a son, husband, father and friend…
A leader, fighter, champion…and my hero until the end.
Heroes in this life are very few…
Earnhardt is mine and a legend I am thankful I knew.
The pain in my heart will ease with time, and life must go on…
There will never be another… “Intimidator, No. 3” he stands alone…
You know… the boy from Kannapolis, so down to earth and home grown.
Sandy B. Coleman, Mocksville: In loving memory of the greatest driver every known, and my Superman, Ralph Dale Earnhardt, April 29, 1951-Feb. 18, 2001:
Do not cry for me, for I am not gone,
I have left my son to carry on,
Bringing crowds to their feet,
Sunday by Sunday, week by week,
Around the track of life I flew,
Touching every soul I knew,
My work on earth is done my friend,
But I will be with you till the end,
With Jesus as my crew chief, riding shotgun,
There are still many races to be won,
Do not be sad, try and be free,
For I am Eternal No. 3.
Melinda Woods, China Grove: The following is a tribute that my daughter, Stephanie Hill, age 12, of China Grove wrote in honor of Dale Earnhardt:
Hey Dale,
It is the last lap of the race
Two cars are fighting for the lead
As one car pulls ahead
In the gleam and the glory
Of the sunlight
We can see you cheering
In the heavens above
Like we know you always will be!
God bless you, Dale, and keep on winning in God’s heavenly race!
Stacey Valentine:May God be with the Earnhardts. We will miss you No. 3. May your memories race forever in our minds. R.I.P. Intimidator:
I is for the intimidation, right until the very end.
Never letting up, the checkered your team must win.
Tapping and blocking other cars to protect your son and friend
I bet you were laughing, and on your face, a grin
Man in black was your trademark, but golden was your heart
Inspiring was your racing, No. 3 was going faster every mile
Dancing with the others, leaving upon their door your art
A true racer, the greatest hero with a smile
The championship count was at a “Magnificent Seven”
On Sunday, at Daytona, God decided it was you he needed
Racing into the corner, you took the checkered at the gates of Heaven.
Lentz and Lisa Bates:
Many times you raced for us.
Lots of times you won.
God needed another angel for the heavens above.
But in race fans’ hearts you’ll always be No. 1.
Daniel Klingensmith, Lake City, Pa: Greetings from northwest Pa. There was a song in the ’60s (cannot remember name or artist), but it was about the assassinations of Abraham Lincoln, J.F.K., Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy. Some of the words were as follows: Anybody here seen my old friend John? Can you tell me where he’s gone? He freed a lot of people, but it seems the good they die young. You know I just looked around and he was gone. Didn’t you love the things that he stood for? Didn’t he try to change the world for you and for me? Dale never tried to change the world. He loved it the way it is. But he did free so many people from their routine lives every week. He is truly an American hero. I’ve been a Rusty fan since he was a rookie. I loved Dale Earnhardt. I miss him. The words of that song keep echoing in my mind: “You know I just looked around and he was gone.” One thing is for sure, he will never be gone from our hearts. No one will EVER beat him now. Love to his people and his family. The end of the song says: Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby? Can you tell me where he’s gone? I thought I saw him walking up over the hill, with Abraham and Martin and John. Anybody here seen my old friend Dale? Can you tell me where he’s gone? I thought I saw him walking up over the hill, with Adam, and Kenny and Neil.
Dan Edwards, Miami Beach, Fla.: All of the members on God’s racing team have just sighed a collective sigh. They know that the “top gun” has just arrived. Rest In peace, No. 3. Thank you for touching us with your spirit and reminding the whole world that North Carolina and Rowan/Cabarrus counties are truly God’s country, and that we’re all one big family that cares for one another, no matter how near or far away.
Samantha L. Roupp, Bloomville, N.Y.: I still cannot believe what happened. When I think about it, it makes me soo... mad. He was the best in the whole NASCAR league. He will try to be replaced, but it never will be the same. I give my deepest sympathy to the family. He is the best and will always be the BEST!
Debbie White, Helena, Ga.: The Man in Black is the reason I watched the race every Sunday. I have followed his career for only about six or seven years now but couldn’t have been a more devoted fan. I, along with many others, am devastated by the loss of the Intimidator and don’t know if I can watch another race for a long time. I will miss watching him terribly. I know there have been other losses in the sport of NASCAR, but it will never be the same again without the black Chevrolet Monte Carlo with No. 3 on it. Surely Richard Childress can never allow another to drive Dale’s car. I don’t think the fans could stand it, unless it was Little E. May God bless Teresa, Dale Jr., Kerry, Kelley and Taylor Nicole, Miss Martha, RCR, DEI and all the countless fans who will miss Dale greatly!
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