Gary “Dirty Bird” Osteen (August 05, 1947 - June 14, 2019)

In loving memory of
Gary “Dirty Bird” Osteen
  • August 05, 1947
  • -
  • June 14, 2019

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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.


Tribute Wall

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  1. Barry Boudman lit a candle:
    19 Nov 2019
    Lit since November 19, 2019 at 11:50:58 AM

  2. Juliana says:
    26 Jun 2019
    My uncle...just a good ol boy all around. Always there to help someone. He would give anyone the shirt off his back. I hope he knew how much I valued him. I miss him so much

  3. Jim & Roberta Sappington says:
    24 Jun 2019
    God bless Gary’s soul what a wonderful person we will miss him.

  4. Dave & Thea Mathen lit a candle:
    22 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 22, 2019 at 6:28:50 AM

  5. Tamie Stevens lit a candle:
    21 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 21, 2019 at 6:15:31 PM

  6. Leo Lanzon lit a candle:
    21 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 21, 2019 at 6:10:08 PM

  7. Leo Lanzon lit a candle:
    21 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 21, 2019 at 6:29:56 PM

  8. Tommy and Laura OSteen says:
    21 Jun 2019
    Uncle Tater Thank you for your advice many years ago to join the USAF. You were a blessing to many over the years. Your legacy shall live long after you departure and you will be cherished and missed by us all

  9. Pete and Kim Angell lit a candle:
    20 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 20, 2019 at 6:02:33 PM

  10. Jennifer Lancaster lit a candle:
    20 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 20, 2019 at 6:55:52 PM

  11. The Walls family lit a candle:
    20 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 20, 2019 at 6:55:43 PM

  12. The Walls family says:
    20 Jun 2019
    Will be greatly missed. Many great times at the tracks on the weekends. Our deepest condolences to Anita, Mike, and Mark.

  13. Pete Dawn Shannon says:
    20 Jun 2019
    You will be missed good friend!!! ??

  14. Tom Ball lit a candle:
    20 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 20, 2019 at 6:03:01 PM

  15. Bob & Sue Taylor lit a candle:
    20 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 20, 2019 at 6:42:37 AM

  16. John Sacco lit a candle:
    20 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 20, 2019 at 6:41:54 AM

  17. John piper lit a candle:
    20 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 20, 2019 at 6:49:36 AM

  18. Gladys Hongach lit a candle:
    20 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 20, 2019 at 6:32:14 AM

  19. Fabrizio Tassoni lit a candle:
    20 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 20, 2019 at 6:55:44 AM

  20. Shelly Abrams lit a candle:
    19 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 19, 2019 at 6:57:01 PM

  21. Randy and Gina Montgomery lit a candle:
    19 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 19, 2019 at 6:30:36 PM

  22. Karen Maddox lit a candle:
    19 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 19, 2019 at 6:01:01 PM

  23. Todd Blancett lit a candle:
    19 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 19, 2019 at 6:37:04 PM

  24. Daniel Miller lit a candle:
    19 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 19, 2019 at 6:30:42 PM

  25. Sandra Schandelmeier says:
    19 Jun 2019
    You wil be miss by all You helped a lot of friends young and old.
    Our prayers go out the family
    Sandy (Bumpers widow)
    Runtman (Bumpers grandson and past employee

  26. Mike Yosha lit a candle:
    19 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 19, 2019 at 6:01:51 PM

  27. Mike Yosha lit a candle:
    19 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 19, 2019 at 6:00:09 PM

  28. Joy Sacco says:
    19 Jun 2019
    Prayers and Condolences to Anita, Michael, Mark and family. Gary will be missed.

    John and Joy Sacco

  29. Sandy Beer lit a candle:
    19 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 19, 2019 at 6:27:52 PM

  30. Ricky Swank lit a candle:
    19 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 19, 2019 at 6:27:05 PM

  31. Charles Gay says:
    19 Jun 2019
    Prayers of comfort for his family. He was a super guy.

  32. Nancy Copeland says:
    19 Jun 2019
    My prayers and thoughts are with Anita and the O'Steen family.

  33. Ron and Cheri says:
    19 Jun 2019
    Gary would give you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it.
    We will miss his jokes and his generosity.
    Our deepest condolences to you, Anita, Mike and Mark

  34. Alan McCullough lit a candle:
    19 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 19, 2019 at 6:18:26 PM

  35. Cassie Smith lit a candle:
    19 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 19, 2019 at 6:08:01 PM

  36. Bill Trimble lit a candle:
    19 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 19, 2019 at 6:07:02 PM

  37. Bill Trimble posted an image:
    19 Jun 2019
    The Dirty Bird at Indy
    The Dirty Bird at Indy

  38. Bill Trimble posted an image:
    19 Jun 2019
    Gary and Greg good times at Indy
    Gary and Greg good times at Indy

  39. Jackie sperrazza says:
    19 Jun 2019
    Gary was for sure one of a kind ! Always there to help and you didn't even have to ask!
    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 ??

  40. Peeen says:
    19 Jun 2019
    He will be missed. By all

  41. Mike baker lit a candle:
    19 Jun 2019
    Lit since June 19, 2019 at 6:40:28 PM

  42. Jason Rivas says:
    19 Jun 2019
    On behalf of the California Mud Racers, past and present - we send our most sincere well wishes to the O'Steen family. Gary is a legend and when we all get together, we will toast a man who made a lasting impression as a competitor, friend and mentor to many. God Bless You Gary. God be with you till we meet again.

  43. LaDonna Bond says:
    19 Jun 2019
    Gary was "one of a kind". Big heart and generous to a fault. He will be missed by family and friends, including me.
    Much love to Anita, Mark and Mike.
    LaDonna

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