I was reminded tonight of the importance of RacersReunion.com when my friend Paul Lewis called to tell me of the death of Gene Glover. Glover, an icon of racing in the 60's and 70's and father of legnedary crew chief Tony Glover, died today. When I began working on this web network I wanted to do something in support of Paul's efforts to recognize the contributions to the sport made by guys like Gene Glover. Life, in an overall perspective, is short. Thanks to all of you members of RacerReunion.com for sharing your memories and photos of the legends of this great sport. We are doing exactly what we should be doing.....we're giving back to the sport that gave us so much excitement and entertainment over the years. Carry on.EUGENE (GENE) GLOVERKINGSPORTEugene (Gene) Glover, 73 passed away unexpectedly even though his health had been in decline during the past few years on Sunday, May 18, 2008.Gene was born on November 20, 1934 and lived in Kingsport all his life.He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friends of many who will miss him deeply.Genes work career included working in the coal mines in VA as a millwright and also AFG and Fluor Daniels. He was a Mason at Lodge #688 and a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose #972. He was also a member of Vermont United Methodist Church.Genes passion was auto racing with his career beginning in 1953 at the Tri-Cities Speedway (dirt track in Blountville, driving what were then known as modifieds and late models.) Three years later, Gene won his first race in a modified at the Sportmans Speedway in Johnson City. Genes illustrious career spanned almost three decades, racing in 13 different states and in Canada, during which time he posted over 250 wins.His racing accomplishments including the following: 1960 Champion at Boyds Speedway in Chattanooga, TN, Track Champion at the Cleveland Speedway in Cleveland, TN, 1963 Track Champion at the Sportsman Speedway in Johnson City, 1968 TN State Modified Champion, 1973 Track Champion at the Lonesome Pine Speedway in Coeburn, VA, TN State Late Model Champion, 1979 NASCAR Late Model Sportsman National Champion and a 7 time track champion during the 1960s and 1970s at the Kingsport International Speedway in Kingsport, TN. He retired from racing 1982. However, Genes son Tony Glover, continues the racing tradition as Team Manager for Chip Ganassi racing in Mooresville, NC in the Sprint Cup Series.After retiring from racing, Gene spent many happy days fishing with his buddies in area lakes. He also enjoyed several fishing trips to Maine, Canada, and most of the Southern States. He also became a well-known flea-market vendor and spent many weekends buying and selling antiques.Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Pearl Glover; and his first wife Lorraine Gilliam Glover.Survivors include his loving wife of 34 years, Reba Light Glover, of the home, son, Tony Glover and wife Christy of Mooresville, NC; granddaughters, Brittany Nichole Glover and Ashton Brooke Glover of Charlotte, NC; brothers, David L. Glover and wife, Brenda, and Delmar Glover and wife, Linda of Kingsport; Sisters-in-law, Nan Light and Patsy Willis, both of Kingsport; and a very special cat, Samantha.The Glover family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm. Wednesday at Oak Hill Funeral Home. A Masonic service will be held by Lodge #688 F&AM. Funeral services will be held at 8 pm with Pastor Bill Cahill officiating.Graveside services will be held on Thursday at 10 am at Oak Hill Memorial Park in the Garden of Resurrection.Pallbearers will be Donnie Light, Lynn Roach, Roger Gillis, Jeff Berry, Norman Davis, Drew Nelms, Mike Dean, and Tony Morton.Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Price, Ralph Taylor, Don Taylor, Tommy Taylor, Scotty Cleek, Carl Marcum, and George Perry.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Victory Junction Camp, 4500 Adams Way, Randleman, NC 27317. This camp for Children was started by Richard and Kyle Petty of NASCAR.The staff of Oak Hill is honored to serve the family of Eugene Glover.An on-line guest registry may be signed at http://www.oakhillmemorialpark.com/