UPDATE: He was born on August 25, 1950, in Stanton, VA, to the late James Junior Hamlin and Barbara Jolene Brinkley Hamlin.
His life included years in Florida, Virginia, and North Carolina. Dennis was a husband and father. Alongside his wife, Mary Lou, he was a driving force behind his son Denny’s racing career, offering constant support and encouragement from the very beginning. He had a lifelong love for classic cars and spent countless hours in his garage working on them, a place where he found great joy and peace. He also valued the friendships he built through his love of classic cars, including his longtime best friend, Al, and the many friends he made along the way.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou Clark Hamlin; sons, Denny Hamlin and David Hamlin; daughters, Lisa Chapman and Kim Porter; brother, Daryl Hamlin; sister, Sharon Hamlin; and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Denny Hamlin Foundation
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
NASCAR Statement: “NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to Denny Hamlin and the entire Hamlin family. Dennis Hamlin instilled a love of racing in his son, and sacrificed greatly to develop Denny into a world-class talent in the sport. We also continue to offer our thoughts and prayers to Denny’s mother, Mary Lou, and hope for her full recovery.” — NASCAR
UPDATE 2: Per Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Gaston County EMS confirms that Denny Hamlin’s father, Dennis, died from his injuries at the hospital from the Sunday night fire. His mother, Mary Lou, was transferred to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem, where she is actively being treated.
AND: Additionally, Gaston County EMS said the investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing and currently undetermined due to the structural damage and collapse of the home.
— Motorsport —
Sad news: Gaston County EMS confirms that Denny Hamlin's father, Dennis, died from his injuries at the hospital from the Sunday night fire. His mother, Mary Lou, was transferred to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem, where she is actively being treated
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) December 29, 2025
UPDATE: Officials said on Monday that one person has died in a fire that happened the night before in Gaston County where neighbors say NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin’s parents live. Officials have not confirmed the name of the deceased or the other person who was hurt and has life-threatening injuries.
— WSOC —
ORIGINAL POST: Two people were hospitalized in a fire at a Gaston County home belonging to the parents of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin.
The fire happened at a home on Blacksnake Road northeast of Stanley. Officials initially said one person was trapped in the home. Two people were ultimately taken to the hospital from the scene. Their condition was not released.
The fire resulted in the complete loss of the home, according to the Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department. It took around two hours to put out the fire due to a lack of water in the area.
Gaston County officials said the investigation will continue well into Monday.
Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department Chief David Toomey stated that the home belongs to the parents of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin.
— WCNC —