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November 18, 1999
By: Patti Brill
Goodbye to a Friend
Thursday, November 18th, Sunshine's family gathered together to remember one of racing's finest men, I'm struck by the outpouring of love from the
racing community. We are indeed a "family" and Saturday, November 13th we lost one of our most beloved brothers, William "Wild Bill" Revard. Bill was one of those special people that
come along once in a lifetime. He was not out for glory or recognition but for his pure love of racing. He didn't drive an expensive truck and hauler or spend a lot of money on a fancy paint
job. He kept it simple. He was there to race, not out to impress and that's exactly how he lived his life. Bill enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, time with friends, being in his race car and
spending every available moment with his pride and joy, Billy.
Bill had been a regular fixture at Sunshine Speedway for more than a decade. He enjoyed success in the class where nerves of
steel and a strong driving skill were mandatory. From his beginnings in the mid 1980's through his rise to becoming a Figure 8 fan favorite, everyone at
Sunshine Speedway knew Wild Bill, his laid
back personality and soft spoken way. You couldn't help but cheer for him with his tattered sheet metal and worn paint job. I remember when, earlier this season, Bill had his car re-skinned, he walked
me out to his truck to show me the new body on his car. I teased him about the car not being painted and asked where he bought that canary yellow paint. He and I shared alot of laughs that night,
it's a night I will never forget.
A lot of us will cherish the time spent with Bill at our local gathering
place, Lugnuts Race Bar & Grill, where he would often bring Billy after
the races to enjoy a game of pool. Little Billy was Bill's life. He would watch his son hit the cue ball with a pool stick that was taller than his sweet child, smiling the entire time. The
love he felt for his son was unmistakable, it was written all over his face. He was so attentive and patient with Billy, the sign of a great father.
I remember the way he used to nod his head and grin when he was talking to
people. So quiet, yet so strong. He had a gentle demeanor, it's hard to believe he could be so successful in such an
aggressive sport. I never thought the name "Wild Bill" applied to his personality, but on the track, it was another story. His determination and resiliance paid off in the form of
countless wins and a huge fan following.
Wild Bill will be gravely missed by everyone who knew him. Figure 8 racing at
Sunshine Speedway will never be the same and neither will we. With the
evolution of technology, fans are able to share their thoughts with others through internet message boards. Bill's passing has created a flurry of emotion on these boards, all
positive. It shows how many people truly cared about him. I know he's in heaven right now, looking down on us. I'm confident that he now knows how many lives he's touched. Bill was
always kind to others, let's learn from his teachings. Be kind to each other and show the people you care about,the love you feel. Don't be afraid to hug, don't be afraid to show affection, for it may
be the last time you have the chance.
I hugged Bill goodbye the last time we saw each other, for that I will always be thankful. He knew I cared and that he mattered to me. We, as a racing family
must stick together. We have proven time and time again that we are a giving people, a caring people. Let's not wait for the next tragedy to do something positive for one another. Be
patient with others and remember, Bill's watching.
To Bill's family, I wish you peace. We know you are suffering, you need not
suffer alone. We are all here for you, if there is
anything you need, we will make it happen. You have created a man that will be admired for a lifetime.
For Billy, our promise to you is that your father, will never be forgotten. We are
determined to keep his memory alive. His race car number has been retired and we will display it on our cars for all to see. You are our reminder of a great man, we will always be here for
you.
Rest in peace Wild Bill, we love you....All your friends, fans and fellow drivers at SunshineSpeedway.
The following was posted on the internet by Teddy and Cindy Nelson, it seems
fitting.
I'm Free
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day to laugh, to love, to walk, or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that place at close of day.
If my parting has left a void
then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me.
God wanted me now. He set me free.
-Patti Brill |
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