Donald Ray Autry, a former local racer who later promoted stock car action at Fayetteville (N.C.) Motor Speedway, died Friday. He was 77.

Autry and his wife, Shirley, co-promoted the track from mid-1981, when had been changed from asphalt to dirt, through the 1989 season. A barber, he also operated other local businesses.

Survivors include a son Scott Autry, a Fayetteville track champion and in 2002 a title winner at Wake County Speedway and with the Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series.

Visitation is noon-5 p.m. Monday, March 30 at Butler Funeral Home in Stedman, N.C.; a graveside service is 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, at Minson Williams Cemetery in Autryville. Find a complete obituary at butlerfh.com. — Thomas Pope