Billy Eugene Utz

Billy Eugene Utz, 88, of Sedalia, MO, passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at his home. He was born on September 8, 1935, in Dekalb County, MO, the son of Jay B. Utz and Minnie (McCaren) Utz, who preceded him in death.

On October 7, 1962, he was united in marriage to Joyce Pearl Phillips, who preceded him in death on December 11, 2017. Of this union, two daughters were born: Dawn Renee' Pinkelton (Barry) and Michelle Lynn Muths (Shane).

Bill was a farrier by trade with a long family history of Saddle Breed Horsemen. In the 1950s, he began his racing career. He drove for many car owners and was an owner-driver. Bill was inducted into many racing Hall Of Fames, including the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame, Knoxville Hall of Fame, CARB Hall of Fame, SMRA XX Hall of Fame, and Missouri Open Wheel Legends Hall of Fame. During his racing career, he has collected over 300 feature wins and 20 championship titles, including three IMCA Titles over six decades of racing.

Joy and Bill owned, managed, or were involved in several different businesses and organizations during the course of their marriage. Some of those businesses and organizations included Pit Stop Café, Quality Body Shop, State Fair Towing, Real Estate property, State Fair Amoco, Shel-Rae Dairy Cup(Ice-Crème and Sandwich Shoppe), 65 Speedway, and Central MO Speedway.

Bill's greatest success was not his professional achievements, but his role as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a good friend and a hero to many. Bill's love for his family and friends was evident in his shared meals and entertaining nature. He took great pleasure in being part of his grand and great-grandchildren's lives and sporting activities. His absence leaves a void in the community, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his daughters, Bill is also survived by four grandsons, William Tyler Utz (Allison), Justin Blake Pripusich, Zachary Taylor Pinkelton, and Trevor Joseph "TJ" Muths; one step-grandson James Pinkelton; one granddaughter, Chelsey Lynn Rowland (Zac); two step-granddaughters, Heather Pinkelton, and Lindsey Beukema(Thomas); eight great-grandchildren, Brooklynn-Renee' Utz, William Utz, Hunter Daniels, Avery Muths, Cooper Muths, Arizona Rowland, Haddie Rowland, Emmie Rowland; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Sedalia, with Rev. Jason Kindle officiating. Service will be live streamed, and the link can be found by going to sedaliabbc.org.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 9, 2024, at Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia.

Burial will be at Bethlehem Baptist Cemetery, Sedalia.

Pallbearers will be Brian Hermanson, L.D. Schlobohm, Alyn Scott, Andrew Felker, Anthony Salmons, and Kelsey Houston.

Honorary bearers will be Bob Baker, Eddie Bybee, Rick Darling, Daryl Grandfield, Chuck Greenway, Raymond "Heavy" McNish, Brad Rea, Steve Sinclair, Robert "Boomer" Smith, Dennis Steele, Dewayne Steele, Ernie Walker, and Bob Zimmerschied.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bethlehem Baptist Church in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.