Sammy Duke, who turned a motocross track in Whitesburg, Ga., into West Georgia Raceway to found the track in 1993, died Friday. He was 85.

The stock car driver, motocross racer and professional baseball player is survived by his wife of 58 years, Louise Williams Duke, four children, 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. His grandson Blant Duke is a dirt racer how competes at Georgia tracks.

Duke had stepped away from promoting the track in recent seasons with 2021 promoters Mayes Massey and Doug Stevens operating the track until cancelling the remainder of the season in mid-August.

Duke's body will be cremated and the family is planning a private memorial service. Post condolences at martin-hightower.com.