Rodney “Dan” Leon Gatewood passed away on April 3, 2026, in his home, surrounded by his family. “Dan,” as he was known, was born in Mayodan, Rockingham County, on November 24, 1941, as the only child of Troy Odell and Martha Woods Gatewood. He joined the US Air Force in 1960-1964 and served most of his time in Germany as an aircraft mechanic. He moved to Winston-Salem in 1966, where he rented an apartment from Roy and Violet Ray, at which time he was introduced to their niece, Judy Lynn Idol, who later became his wife in August of that same year. He graduated in 1969 from Piedmont Aviation Institute and in 1974, went to work for Piedmont General Aviation. In July that same year, their son, Trenton Daniel Gatewood, was born. With Piedmont’s sponsorship of a NASCAR racing team, Dan began an interest in racing. In 1984, he began working in racing part-time in various capacities, and in 1991, he left Piedmont to begin working full-time in NASCAR. He retired from racing in 2012 to spend time with his family and enjoy more of his favorite hobbies, which included golf, fishing, and being with old friends. He is survived by his son, Trent; daughter-in-law, Theresa; and three grandchildren, Danielle, John, and Timothy.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at New Philadelphia Moravian Church, with burial to follow in the church graveyard. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Philadelphia Moravian Church. Condolences may be shared online at www.salemfh.com.