Harold Norman Stott

Harold Norman Stott, 88, of Columbus, NC, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, family, racing, and community that will be remembered for generations.

Harold was born on May 4, 1938, in the Collinsville area of the Green Creek community to the late Walter and Tessie Stott. One of nine children, he was raised with a strong work ethic and deep-rooted values that shaped every aspect of his life. He was raised in Hickory Grove Baptist Church, where he continued to worship throughout his life.

In April 1981, Harold and his brother, James Stott, purchased Stott's Ford in Tryon, North Carolina, beginning what would become a proud family legacy in the automotive industry. Harold served as President of Stott's Ford until 2016, when ownership of the dealership was passed to his son, Robbie Stott, and grandson, Dylan Stott. While the title changed, Harold's dedication never did. He continued to come to the dealership nearly every day until his passing, where he enjoyed visiting with customers and remained an integral part of the Stott's Ford family. His genuine care for people, friendly smile, and love for conversation made him a familiar face to generations of customers.

Beyond the dealership, Harold enjoyed an extraordinary career in motorsports. From 1972 until 2002, he competed in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series as a rear tire changer, earning the respect of competitors throughout the sport. His excellence was recognized when he was voted the Skoal/Copenhagen All-Pro Rear Tire Changer four times by his fellow crew members—a record that still stands today. During his NASCAR career, Harold worked alongside some of the sport's greatest drivers, including Bobby Allison, Buddy Baker, Benny Parsons, Dale Earnhardt, Ricky Rudd, Harry Gant, and Jimmy Spencer.

After retiring from NASCAR, Harold's passion for racing continued. He joined his son, Robbie, and grandson, Dylan, to form Stott's Ford Racing, traveling across the country competing on the NHRA tour. Racing remained one of his greatest passions, but sharing those experiences with his family made them even more meaningful.

When he wasn't at the dealership or the racetrack, Harold cherished time with the people he loved most. Whether it was an afternoon by the pool or simply enjoying the company of his wife, Barbara, and grandchildren, those moments of laughter, conversation, and togetherness became some of his greatest joys and the memories his family will treasure forever.

Above all else, Harold was a devoted family man who led by example. He believed in treating people with honesty, respect, and kindness, and his quiet leadership touched countless lives. Whether at the dealership or the racetrack, Harold earned the admiration of those around him through his integrity, humility, and unwavering dedication to others.

His legacy lives on through his family, the business he helped build, the racing history he helped shape, and the countless friendships he made throughout a life well lived.

In addition to his wife Barbara, he is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Robbie and Gina; a daughter, Debbie; grandchildren, Dylan and his wife, Sara, Dallas and her husband, Ethan, India and Zealand; great-grandchildren, Bodhi, Finley, Harriet and Charlie; and a brother, James Hugh.

He was predeceased by a sister, Elizabeth, and brothers, Clifford, Alvin, Junior, Cecil, Bobby Joe, and Larry.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Milestones Church, 885 Simuel Road, Spartanburg, SC, conducted by Rev. Michael Keel, Rev. Jeremy McCarver, and Rev. Gary Lockee. The burial will be in Hickory Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, 368 Hickory Grove Church Road, Columbus, NC. The family will receive friends immediately following the burial inside the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hickory Grove Baptist Church, 368 Hickory Grove Church Road, Columbus, NC 28722.

Condolences for the family may be left online at www.pettyfuneralhome.com

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