Benny Parsons was remembered by the NASCAR community Friday for everything from his gift of gab, voracious appetite, love of golf and skill on the race track. But more than anything, “Ol’ BP” was remembered for being a friend to everyone in the racing community. “I’ve lost a buddy and it’s hard to take,” two-time NASCAR champion Ned Jarrett said in one of six eulogies given for Parsons. “But I know I’m not alone: Benny was everybody’s buddy.”

Parsons, the 1973 Cup champion and an award-winning NASCAR broadcaster, died Tuesday from complications stemming from his brief battle with lung cancer. He was 65. NASCAR’s past and present turned out to celebrate his life at the Grace Covenant Church, which hosted the ceremony dubbed “A Service of Victory.”

The eulogies - given by five of Parsons’ broadcasting partners and childhood friend Tom Thornton - all touched on Parsons’ love of food. His popularity as an announcer started during the popular “Buffet Benny” ESPN segment that he did about food available at race tracks. Parsons will be buried following a private family service Saturday in Millers Creek.

AP

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