Fremon Treadway (I've also seen his first name spelled Freeman) passed away Sunday, December 27, 2015. He worked for Petty Enterprises as a welder and jackman from around 1964 through about 1968. As I understand it, he went to work for Don Robertson - either as an employee or as a contractor - in 1969 when the Pettys turned to Ford.
Treadway helping the 43 get going after a stop in the 1967 Motor Trend 500.
His obituary below includes some of his additional notable accomplishments in racing.
http://www.finchandfinchfuneralservice.com/obituaries/Fremon-Treadway/#!/Obituary
Obituary for Fremon Arthur Treadway
Fremon Arthur Treadway, 78, of Altavista died peacefully Sunday, December 27, 2015 at his home with his family by his side. He was the husband of Phyllis "Trudy" Goodman Treadway for fifty-four years.
He was born July 21, 1937, in Flag Pond, TN, a son of the late Arthur Alvin Treadway and Mary Lee Bailey Treadway. He attended First Baptist Church in Altavista and was the owner of Treadway Racing and Truck Service. Fremon worked in the NASCAR racing industry since 1964, beginning with Richard Petty. He opened his own shop in 1970 continuing to build for Petty Enterprises which included Kyle Petty's first Grand National race car, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and Wood Brothers Racing. In 1994, he built A.J. Foyt's Inaugural Brickyard 400 car. He was a member of the Lynch Station Ruritan Club and received the "Man of the Year" award in 1973.
During his lifetime as husband, father and grandfather, Fremon taught his children and grandchildren many life lessons; canoeing, fishing, swimming, go-cart racing and 4-wheeling. His daughters remember growing up at the race tracks every weekend during NASCAR season. They never considered their dad famous; it was just the "norm." They always admired his intelligence and creativity. "Daddy could do or fix anything".
Fremon spent many long days and nights at his shop. He had several employees and took many others under his wing to teach them his skills. "Daddy was a perfectionist and never quit or gave up on anything." He instilled that in everyone who spent time with him especially his daughters and grandchildren. Fremon was always making people laugh with his joking nature. To know him was to love him.
We are so thankful to have had him as husband, dad," Popie" and now, as our guardian angel.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by four daughters, Tamera Treadway-Pippin of Lynchburg, Suzanne Treadway of Altavista, Shelly Treadway Peery (James) of Troutville, and Dale Treadway-Mann (Ricky) of Madison Heights; five grandchildren, Lyndsey Bennett (Brad), Callie Prest (Ryan), Taylor Hall (Seth), and Carson and Tucker Peery; two brothers, J.L. Treadway, and Floyd Treadway (Judy); three sisters, Bea Morton (James), Lois Ann Cooper, and Lucille Dudley (Dennis); three sisters-in-law, Peggy Treadway, Anita Treadway, and Barbara Treadway; a brother-in-law, William "Billy" Goodman (Daisy); and a very close friend, Bob Childress, as well as many others.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Dallas, Earnest and Guy Lee Treadway; and one sister, Willedean Rocchins.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 31, 2015 at First Baptist Church in Altavista by the Rev. Dr. Michael Lee with interment to follow in Green Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:30 p.m., Wednesday at Finch and Finch Funeral and Cremation Service, Altavista and other times at the residence.
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Schaefer: It's not just for racing anymore.
updated by @tmc-chase: 08/09/18 03:26:28AM
