Legendary NASCAR owner and Richmond native Junie Donlavey has died at age 90 according to family members. Donlavey suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and passed away Monday night in Richmond. Donlavey got his start as an owner in 1950 at Martinsville. He fielded NASCAR teams all the way into the 2000s. Donlavey’s famous #90 car fielded rookie of the year drivers three times (1970, 1980, 1985). Donlavey’s family told NBC12 that Junie thought it would only be appropriate if he passed away at age 90, the same number famously featured on his stock cars.(WWBT), see Donlavey’s owner stats at racing-reference.info.(6-10-2014)
SERVICES Wesley ‘Junie’ Donlavey, Jr., 90, of Richmond, went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 9, 2014. Junie was a U.S. Navy veteran and the owner of Swansboro Motor Company (aka Donlavey Racing). He was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2007. A Celebration of Junie’s Life will be held 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16 at the Richmond International Raceway, Old Dominion Building, 600 E. Laburnum Ave. His graveside service will be held on Sunday, June 15, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in Washington Memorial Park, 6217 Memorial Drive, Sandston, VA. 23150. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Victory Junction, 4500 Adam’s Way, Randleman, NC, 27317.(RIR)
