Bennie Parsons has left us NASCAR fans, farewell BP

[DainBramaged]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16713482/

<i>BP quit smoking in 1978 but just died of lung cancer. His humor, knowledge, and real good 'ole boy demeanor will be sadly missed this year.</i>

CORNELIUS, N.C - Benny Parsons was remembered by the NASCAR community Friday for everything from his gift of gab, voracious appetite, love of golf and skill on the race track.

But more than anything, “Ol’ BP” was remembered for being a friend to everyone in the racing community.

“I’ve lost a buddy and it’s hard to take,” two-time NASCAR champion Ned Jarrett said in one of six eulogies given for Parsons. “But I know I’m not alone: Benny was everybody’s buddy.”

<snip>

Parsons was diagnosed with cancer in his left lung in July. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments — continuing to travel to the race track and call races when he was up to it — and he was declared cancer-free in October. But the treatment cost Parsons the use of his left lung, and he was hospitalized Dec. 26 when doctors found a blood clot in his right lung. He was placed in an induced-coma.

Parsons will be buried following a private family service Saturday in Millers Creek.

[Lugnut]

1. RIP BP

:(