Fri, 12 Mar 2010, 03:02 PM Shirl Greer Passes

Courtesy of NHRA Communications

Shirl Greer

Shirl Greer, 75, a former NHRA Funny Car champion from Kingsport, Tenn., passed away today at 11 am

Greer was hospitalized at the James H Quillen VA Hospital in Johnson City, Tenn., with complications from a previous surgery. He had undergone four surgeries in the last two weeks.

"It's been a pretty rough day," said Brian Greer, youngest of Shirl's three sons. "But he's not suffering anymore. I can't believe he's gone. We love our drag racing family and my dad did too. Your prayers helped us through a tough time."

Greer is survived by wife Deborah, and sons Van, Rusty, and Brian.

Services will be announced tomorrow.