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.

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