From Dave Westerman Phil Orr, a local legend in Central Florida auto racing has passed away. Orr raced at many of the local tracks throughout Central Florida including Orlando Raceway, Sunbrock Speedway, New Smyrna Speedway, Eau Gallie Speedway and Volusia County Speedway. A local star in Modified and Sportsman cars, Orr also competed in NASCAR Grand National and Modified races on the Daytona Beach and Road Course from 1955 through 1958. He finished 12th in the 1955 Modified event which started 80 cars. 57 cars started the 1957 NASCAR GN race and Orr drove his 1957 Ford to a 13th place finish. He also competed in the final NASCAR GN event on the beach in 1958 driving a 1958 Ford. He returned to the local short tracks and raced for many years even driving a Mini Stock at Volusia County Speedway when he was well into his seventies. Primarily a Modified driver, Orr did dabble in Late Model racing briefly in the 1960s. He won numerous feature races throughout his career. The following is Phil's obituary that was published today: ORR, CYRIL PHILLIP "PHIL", age 84, went to be with the Lord, April 23, 2011. Born in Maitland, FL, September 30, 1926, he was a caring and generous man with a big heart, helping anyone in need, never asking for anything in return. He lived by the Golden Rule, taught to him by his beloved Grandfather - "treat others like you want to be treated". He was a man of integrity, well known in his hometown of Apopka as The Land Man for his career in real estate at Phil Orr Realty. Beyond this profession, Phil played football and graduated from Winter Park High School, served in the U.S. Navy and saw a successful career as a salesman, working at Heintzelman Ford and starting his own business in Maitland, and then owning Florida Gator Motors in Apopka. For fun, Phil loved watching NASCAR and his Florida Gators. and he loved to dance. He was a long time Gator booster, a professional boxer at one time, and was a legend on the racetrack himself. Phil drove the old Beach-Road course in Daytona Beach as one of the legendary NASCAR drivers and then raced at many local tracks well into his 70s. He is survived by his loving wife, family and many friends. A viewing and visitation will be held Thursday, April 28, 5-9 PM at the Loomis Family Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Services will be held Friday, April 29, at the First Baptist Church of Apopka, 441 S. Highland Avenue, Apopka, 407-886-2628. Graveside committal immediately following at Greenwood Cemetery, Apopka, FL. Fellowship will be held for friends and family from 1-3 pm at the First Baptist Church. If so desired, donations may be made in Phil's honor, in lieu of flowers, to Hospice of the Comforter, 480 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, 407-682-0808, www.hospiceofthecomforter.org Services Entrusted to LOOMIS FAMILY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE, 420 West Main Street, Apopka, Florida 32712, 407-880-1007. Please visit www.loomisfuneralhomes.com to sign the online guest book.
