NEAR Hall of Famer George Barber Passes at 96
Built Bear Ridge Speedway & Championship Car Owner
BRADFORD — George Judson Barber, 96, died Wednesday, April 2, 2008, at Grafton County Nursing Home in North Haverhill, N.H.
He was born in Williamstown, Mass., on Sept. 2, 1911, the son of George and Ida (Haley) Barber. He attended the University of Akron, in Ohio. He served in the United States Navy during World War II, as a 2nd class machinist mate.
George married his wife Wanda Shumway on June 16, 1942. Wanda died on Dec. 29, 1973. He built the Bear Ridge Speedway in Bradford and operated it from 1968 to 1973. He won many trophies and prizes for his famous car numbers #46 and #47. He also owned and operated Bradford Auto Supply for many years.
On July 4, 1980, he was married to Diane, who survives; he is also survived by two sons by his first marriage, Paul Barber of Columbia, S.C. and Joe Barber of Burlington; four step-children, Tess Onorato of Northfield, Margaret Swanson of Tynsboro, Mass., John Onorato of Bixby, Okla. and Kathy Zapora of Barre.; six grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Sources: SNRacing.com