Immediately before Wrangler Jeans sponsored the #3 Cup car with Dale Earnhardt, the car and its driver/owner Richard Childress was sponsored by Ronnie Steele of Pearland, Texas. Ronnie's name last appeared on the car at Talladega on August 2, 1981, the last time Childress drove it and blew and EXACTLY 36 years before Ronnie's passing on August 2, 2017. The photo posted is of that car's final ride with Ronnie Steele sponsorship.
Obituary for Mr. Ronnie Gene Steele
A loving grandfather, father, husband, son, and brother, Ronnie Gene Steele at age 78, died 2nd of August 2017 at home in Pearland, Texas. He is survived by his wife Pauline Steele of 42 Years; daughter Rhonda Steele Edelman; son Randall Steele (Rose); son Radford Steele; grandchildren Dilan Martinez, Hunter Dean Steele, Trevor Ross Steele, Chase Steele; sisters Donna Jo Barton (William), Paula Cole (Jerry); caregiver Nora Ojeda. He is predeceased by son-in-law JD Edelman and grandson Scott Ross Webb.
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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"