Bill Lee McVey, age 79, posted his final lap in the late evening of May 29, 2012, at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa, following complications with his heart and kidneys.  

His crowning victory of life and love was celebrated over the Memorial Day weekend, surrounded by his devoted following of family, friends, and fans.

Bill was more than an avid race fan; he lived life in and around cars. It was his passion, he was dedicated and supportive to all that drove them: famous Indy and NASCAR drivers, his beloved Lakeport racing community, and the rest of us that just needed someone on our team, to keep our wheels rolling to the market and back.

Born July 18, 1932 in Gridley, Calif., Bill grew up in Los Angeles, working on hot rods with his dad and friends.  

Endless days and nights were spent under the hood, prepping for drag races, building go karts, attending car clubs and following high school, in an early job as a Ford salesman.

His career shifted to the booming aerospace industry in Southern California. He spent 30 years as a respected executive at Garrett Airesearch in Torrance. But his passion for racing never dimmed.  

He was part of the pit crew that helped men go to the moon, but there were always sports cars in the driveway and weekends at the track.

Fueled with retirement and his dream, Bill, wife Beverly, and family moved north to Clearlake area to build their vision of cars, community and service.  

Over the past 30 years in Lakeport, Bill developed several businesses, led and served in many community organizations, but his passion for cars always stood as the cornerstone.  

Recently he achieved his life-long dream, born from those early days on the Ford lot, with his acquisition of the Lakeport Ford Dealership.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Beverly, their children, grandchildren and so many more that he always considered part of his family.  

A celebration of his life was held on Friday, June 1.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all of Bill's friends, customers, employees and business associates that supported him throughout his wonderful road trip, especially in these recent days that allowed his family to surround him at the finish line.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .