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participant; attending his first national drag racing event in 1960 at the NHRA Nationals in Indianapolis, an event he attended with his father.
Anderson’s love for speed continued his entire life, as owner of SoffSeal he helped catapult Rob Vandergriff and his 1957 Chevrolet Top Sportsman car to becoming one of the first Pro/Mod cars in existence. The duo went on to set numerous national records and held the title as “Worlds Fastest 57 Chevy” for many years. His dedication to the sport and promotion of Pro Modified cars is reflective in their popularity today. His days on the track were some of his finest.
His business successes paralleled his on track successes. SoffSeal’s constant “Attention to Detail” was more than a company slogan, it truly was how Gary lived his life. His peers honored him in 1999 as the ARMO Person of the Year. The national Race Against Drugs program has also honored him for his years of tireless dedication to the youth in the racing hobby. There is no way to express the ways that Gary Anderson affected the automotive hobby, his contributions were far and wide and the number of lives he touched was vast. Everyone at SoffSeal will miss him, and in his name the company will continue to provide the level of service and quality of goods that Gary would expect. We appreciate your thoughts during this time of loss for our company, our family and our hobby.
Gary F., beloved husband of Donna Lee, loving father of Rebecca Anderson, loving step-father of Jeffrey (Jennifer) Hubert and Vanessa (Bret) Anderson, cherished grandfather of Christopher and Michael Hubert, Brady and Chad Anderson, dear brother of Alvin Anderson and the late Leon Anderson, brother-in-law of Raymond and Scott Autenrieb, also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Gary will be dearly missed by all his friends made through his many years in the automotive industry, drag racing, street rodding and his community work.
Services will be held this Friday, March 13, in Cincinnati. Calling hours will be from 10-12 at the Dalbert, Woodruff, and Isenogle funeral home at 2880 Boudinot Ave. Cincinnati, Ohio 45238. Gary will be laid to rest immediately following a service at the funeral home at the Arlington Memorial Gardens at 2145 Compton Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45231.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that if you desire contributions, can be made to the American Heart Association or the Lifelink Department of the Tampa General Hospital in Gary’s name. For more info go to www.soffseal.com
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