Judy Allison, Wife of NASCAR Legend Bobby Allison, Passes December 19, 2015 NASCAR Bobby and Judy Allison (photo, 2013 – NASCAR via Getty Images) Judy Allison, wife of NASCAR Hall of Fame member Bobby Allison, died Friday in a North Carolina hospital as a result of post-surgery complications. She was 74. The Allison family announced her passing in a statement and asked for privacy at this difficult time. “The Allison Family is sad to announce the passing of Judy A. Allison, age 74, after complications from surgery earlier today at Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville. “Bobby Allison, NASCAR Hall of Famer driver, and Judy were married for 55 years. 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 NASCAR community reacted almost immediately with an outpouring of support for the Allison family and abounding praise for a lady who meant so much to so many. From NASCAR… “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. “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.” From the NASCAR Hall of Fame Executive Director, Winston Kelly… “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, 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.” From Richard Petty… “Judy has been a part of the racing community and our family for as long as we can remember. We raced against each other, but both Bobby and Judy quickly became friends of ours. And, there wasn’t anything Judy wouldn’t do to help you out. She was someone you could trust to always be there. “Judy showed tremendous strength, love and grace through all of life’s most difficult moments. She will be forever in our hearts and always a part of our Petty family. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Bobby and his family at this time.” Obituary/ Services Announced Judith “Judy” Alma Bjorkman Allison, 74, of Mooresville, NC, passed away on Friday, December 18, 2015, at Iredell Memorial Hospital, Statesville, NC. Born November 7, 1941, in San Jose, CA, she was a daughter of the late Carl and Dorothy Libby Bjorkman. Mrs. Allison was a member of St. Therese Catholic Church, Mooresville. She enjoyed crocheting, gardening, cooking and traveling. She was one of the founding members of the Grand National Racing Wives. Mrs. Allison was preceded in death by her sons, Davey and Clifford Allison and a sister, Arlene Halsey. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Robert Arthur “Bobby” Allison; daughters, Carrie Hewitt and husband, Scott, of Davidson and Bonnie Farr, of Hueytown, AL; sisters, Carolyn Woodward, of Dunnellon, FL and Connie Carroll and husband, Rufus, of Grand Island, FL; brother-in-law, Hank Halsey, of Blairsville, GA; 11 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, numerous brothers and sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 Noon on Monday, December 28, 2015, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Bessemer, AL. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens, Bessemer, AL. The family will receive friends from 10:30 – 12 Noon prior to the mass at the church. Mass of Christian Burial will also be held at 11 AM, Saturday, January 9, 2016, at St. Therese Catholic Church, Mooresville, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Therese Catholic Church, 217 Brawley School Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117, St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 751 Academy Dr., Bessemer, AL 35022, Victory Junction Gang Camp, 4500 Adams Way, Randleman, NC 27317 or Big Oak Ranch, 6000 Shelley Dr, Springville, AL 35146. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, NC and Peoples Chapel Funeral Home, Hueytown, AL is serving the Allison family. Condolences may be made to the Allison family at www.cavin-cook.com.
