Dink Widenhouse

CONCORD -- Dink Widenhouse of Concord, NC passed away at the age of 92, August 19, 2024 at his home.

Dink was born in Cabarrus County January 1, 1932 to the late William Jerome Widenhouse, Sr. and Etta Spears Widenhouse. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Frances Smith Widenhouse, brothers William ‘Bill’ Widenhouse, Bob “Hard Rock” Widenhouse, Gene Widenhouse and Jack Widenhouse; sisters Ruth W. Jones, Carolyn W. Pethel and Elizabeth ‘Lib’ W. Eudy.

Dink began working with race cars at the age of twelve for his brothers and would say “I can’t remember when I couldn’t drive”. Dink started racing at age 15 and went on to race for 17 years, winning over 200 races including multiple track championships throughout the Southeast. Dink was the all-time winningest driver at Charlotte NC’s Southern States Fairgrounds, had an undefeated season at Rambi/Myrtle Beach Speedway in 1963 and won 1964 NASCAR Modified National Championship, Greenville-Pickens. Dink lived his life to the fullest, much like the words that adorned his race car, “Let The Good Times Roll”. Dink was a generous, kind, loving, loyal, and humble man with strong work ethics, known for being good to everyone, especially his loving family! He cherished his Granddaughters, as they cherished him and was a great Daddy to his 2 loving daughters. He was a Mechanic Instructor at Fort Jackson in the United States Army, continued racing while serving his Country, building his own engines in his bedroom and flat towing his B-29 to the track. Dink owned his 2 B-29 race cars and enjoyed flying his Cessna 120 taildragger, even flying to racetracks to race in the 60’s.

He and his wife, Frances, owned and operated Mecklenburg Equipment Company of Charlotte, NC which opened in 1957, the same year Dink was 1957 NASCAR Sportsman Champion S.C. Dink was brilliant-minded, mechanically gifted and an extremely talented driver. He enjoyed weekends on the lake, time at the beach, fishing in his boat “Lazy Day” on Murrells Inlet, and spending time with his family and friends. Dink was a lifelong member of Ann Street United Methodist Church.

Dink is survived by daughter Davida Widenhouse Courtney, son in law Greg Courtney and granddaughter Makenzie of Concord, NC and daughter Dawn Widenhouse Lucas, son in law Daren Lucas and granddaughter Caroline of Chapel Hill, NC; sister-in-law Betsy Widenhouse; multiple nieces and nephews

Services will be held at Ann Street United Methodist Church, 335 Ann Street NW Concord, NC 28025, Monday August 26, 2024. Rev. Ken Eller and Rev. Randy Wall will preside with speaker Jim Johnson. Visitation is in the Sanctuary from 1:00-2:45pm, Service to follow at 3:00pm. Graveside to follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Concord, NC. Arrangements for the Widenhouse Family are by Wilkinson Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made sent to Ann Street United Methodist Church, 335 Ann St NW, Concord, NC 28025.