For almost six decades, Sam Ard, a two-time NASCAR champion, shared a life filled with love and support with his wife, Agnes Josephine “Jo” Ard.
Sam Ard (February 14, 1939 – April 2, 2017) was an American stock car racing driver known for his success in the NASCAR Busch Series.
He won consecutive championships in 1983 and 1984, capturing 22 victories and 79 top-ten finishes over his career.
Ard also made a single start in the NASCAR Cup Series in 1984 but retired after a crash that year.
He later became a car owner, with drivers like Jimmy Hensley and Jeff Burton racing for him.
Ard’s career was cut short due to injuries, and he battled Parkinson’s disease later in life. He passed away in 2017, leaving a legacy as one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers.
Sam Ard and Agnes Josephine “Jo” Ard Married in 1961, Sharing a Deep Love for Over Five Decades!
The couple married in 1961 and shared a deep, enduring love for over five decades.
Jo and Sam raised four children together and built a strong family bond that remained at the heart of their lives.
Jo was a devoted mother and grandmother who cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren.
She also found joy in activities like gardening, painting, and caring for her flowers.
Throughout their marriage, Jo was a pillar of support for Sam, especially during the difficult years following his racing career.
Sam, a two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion, faced numerous challenges after a life-altering crash in 1984 that ended his racing career.
Nonetheless, Jo stood by Sam’s side as he battled Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases in his later years. She always had his back, offering him love and care until his passing in 2017.
Jo was an active member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where she found comfort and companionship within her community.
Her warm heart and caring nature made her beloved by all who knew her, including close friends like Bobby, Linda Loggains, Toby, and John Page.
After six years of Ard’s demise, Jo passed away on April 5, 2023, at 79, at her residence. Her passing marked the end of an era, but her legacy lives on in her children and grandchildren.
The family held her funeral service on April 8, 2023, at Carolina Funeral Home Chapel.
Friends and family gathered to honor her life and the deep love she shared with Sam and their family.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Sam Ard, a former NASCAR champion, served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War.
- In 2006, two prominent figures in NASCAR, Kevin Harvick and Dale Earnhardt Jr., spearheaded efforts to gather funds for Ard’s care.
- In 2008, a moment of poignant tribute came when Kyle Busch, who tied Ard’s Nationwide Series single-season victory record, announced a generous $100,000 donation to Ard’s family.
