Edward Stalnaker, 80, of Natural Bridge died Jan. 28

On Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, Edward “Eddie” Hugh Stalnaker, 80,of Natural Bridge passed away at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Philippi, West Virginia, son of the late Edward Elwood and Lula Belle Stalnaker.

Edward is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 61 years, Donna Stalnaker; his daughter, Tina Sharpe (Ted), and sons, Timothy Stalnaker (Kelly) and Toby Stalnaker (Lisa); his grandchildren, Sydney Avveduti (David), Allison Stalnaker, Trevor Stalnaker, Tyler Stalnaker, Kalob Sharpe, Khristopher Sharpe, and Thomas Sharpe; two great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Luca Avveduti; and his beloved sister Judy Jones (Gary) of Lake City, Florida.

Eddie and Donna moved to Buena Vista in 1968 and to Natural Bridge four years later. He was a proud member of the community and spent many years working at General Cable and Rea Magnet Wire in Buena Vista. After his children graduated from high school, he followed his dreams and became an independent business owner and manager of the Natural Bridge and Fancy Hill Exxon stations. He and Donna later opened the Natural Bridge Country Store in Natural Bridge Station and Breaktime in Buena Vista.

He enjoyed working with the public and always had a joke or story to share, but his true passion was racing. Eddie was a long-time member of the Natural Bridge Speedway racing family; he began racing street stock at NBS in the late sixties and could be found wherever there was racing for the next 50 years. Stalnaker family racing could be found at Eastside, Franklin County, and New River Valley Speedways when not racing at NBS. He was an institution at the track until he could no longer race, but he passed the checkered flag on to his sons and continued on as crew chief, then biggest fan, until his final year. Racing was not just a hobby; it was in his blood.

Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at Harrison Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to Rockbridge Area Hospice.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.