Obituary
Gary Michael O’Steen, 71, of Ormond Bch, FL, has passed away on June 14, 2019, surrounded by family and friends.
Gary, nicknamed “Tater” because he took his award winning sweet-potato to his 1st grade teacher, was 4th in line of 6 children born to Boss and Ruby O’Steen of Ft White, FL,
After high school Gary enlisted in the US Air Force, mostly serving his time at Eglin Air Force Base, and Hubert Field. FL, specializing in jet engines and concluding his service with a one year tour at Bitburg Air Force Base, Germany.
He owned and operated, along with his sons, Gary’s Driveline, Inc in Holly Hill, FL for 43 years…recently closing it’s doors.
Besides his two sons, Gary boasted of his 50+ year racing career, including drag-racing back in the mid 60’s and stock-car “roundy-round” racing at Volusia Speedway. Gary was a pioneer in “mug racing” and “mud-drags” NMRO , where he excelled at setting multiple ET records in his famous “Dirty Bird”
Gary is survived by his wife Anita, of 50 years; two sons Mike and Mark; grandson Wyatt; two sisters Irma and Alene; three brothers Frank, Glenn and Colin; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Baldwin Brothers of Ormond Bch are in charge. A private family internment with military honors will be at Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, FL and a celebration of life for his many friends and racing buddies at a later date.
Our prayers go out the family
Sandy (Bumpers widow)
Runtman (Bumpers grandson and past employee
John and Joy Sacco
We will miss his jokes and his generosity.
Our deepest condolences to you, Anita, Mike and Mark
The Dirty Bird at Indy
Gary and Greg good times at Indy
His joke wer funny. Especially to him and I laughed because he got such a kick out of telling them. Over and over!! A bigger heart you could never find and I'm so glad he was my big brother for over 50 years!! Rest In Peace Gary. See you soon ??
Much love to Anita, Mark and Mike.
LaDonna