Tributes And Remembrances Continue To Pour In Following Tragic Death Of Greg Biffle And His Wife And Two Children
The official obituary for Greg Biffle, 55, was released by his surviving family last week.
Just days before his 56th birthday, which would’ve been Dec. 23, Greg died with his wife, Cristina; their son, Ryder; and his daughter, Emma, in a plane crash at the Statesville Regional Airport north of Charlotte, North Carolina, on Dc. 18.
Greg’s obituary offers a portrait of a life lived “full” and “fast,” with his passion for driving being a highlight, but his love for his family and friends being front and center.
Noting that he grew up in Vancouver, Washington — not too far from his birthplace of Portland, Oregon — Greg’s obituary points to how he “was guided by his father,” Jack Biffle, in his “pursuit of machinery, fabrication, and racing.”
Continuing, it states that Greg exhibited great “determination and talent” in auto racing, leading to him joining Roush Racing as a professional driver.
His racing accomplishments include:
- 1998 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rookie of the Year
- 2000 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion2002 NASCAR Busch Series Champion
- 2000 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Most Popular Driver
- 2001 NASCAR Busch Series Rookie of the Year
- 2002 NASCAR Busch Series Most Popular Driver
- 2005, 2006 Southern 500 Winner
- 2015, 2016 Sprint Showdown Winner
Further, in 2022, Greg was inducted into the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame, and he was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023.
“He left a lasting impact on the sport,” the obituary states.
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Greg’s Other Passions
Beyond racing, his obituary says Greg “had a million hobbies,” adding that he “was good at all of them.”
The obituary states:
He loved to fish, tinker and buy equipment, race in the sand dunes, but most of all he loved to be around people. He supported and cared for every friend he had. He was intelligent and curious with an answer to almost any problem.
Further, the family said Greg’s life was marked by being “loud, busy, full, and fast.”
Greg also used his success to pursue some philanthropic efforts.
With his passion for animals, he created the Greg Biffle Foundation, providing grants to animal humane societies across the nation.
Greg also served as a member of the board of Lake Norman Animal Shelter, helping to build their facilities in Mooresville, North Carolina.
Beyond animals, he was also passionate about blood donation, and he also assisted with hurricane relief efforts.
Turning to his family, his obituary states:
He loved his children and wife without limit. Cristina was a perfect match for his energy and enthusiasm, but brought balance to his day-to-day. Emma (Mother-Nicole) was his love in the purest form. She helped him slow down, be softer, and served as a reminder of what was in his heart when days were long. Ryder was his right hand and reignited the innocent joy of boyhood for Greg, with endless laughs and jokes. They loved to travel to the Bahamas to disconnect and cherish their time together.
It goes on to say, “The impact the family had on so many people will be felt forever. They will be missed dearly, and impossible to forget.”
This photo was shared by Greg’s wife, Cristina, 11 days before their tragic death:
Greg is survived by his mother, Sally Biffle; and his brother, Jeffrey Biffle (married to Kelly).
Read the full obituary at the Cavin Cook Funeral Home website.
The family is requesting that donations be made in Greg’s memory to the American Red Cross, as well as to the Lake Norman Animal Shelter.
While a celebration of life service has not yet been announced for Greg or Cristina, WCNC Charlotte reports that a memorial service will be held for Greg’s daughter, Emma, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 4, at the Cain Center in Cornelius, North Carolina.
RELATED: NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle, Wife, & Children Killed In North Carolina Plane Crash