Gordon Clark Nunamaker, Jr.

Gordon (Gordy) Clark Nunamaker, Jr. passed away on April 19, 2021.  He was born in Toledo on September 11, 1934, son of the late Gordon Sr. and Alice (Jarczynski) Nunamaker.   He graduated from Waite High School in 1952 and served in the Army for two years in Korea.  After the war, he returned to Toledo and pursued a career in the automotive field, which included a position as the Fleet Operations Supervisor for City of Toledo Police Department.

Gordy loved cars-being a mechanic, and his zeal to build drag racing cars fulfilled his life’s dream. He shared his passion and enthusiasm with many others and built lifelong friendships among the racing community, and was a great friend and mentor to many who shared his passion. Gordy was always willing to teach, coach and share his vast knowledge of drag racing and building high performance engines.  He has built, raced and showed countless cars over the years, including everything from an alcohol fueled funny car to go-carts and fast boats.  He was never content until he found a way to make them go faster.  He began drag racing in high school and competed at many dragstrips, up to as recently as October of 2020.   From 1969 to 1975 he raced a 1961 black Corvette in B gas class and C altered class, running a 9.90 et with many class wins.  At the age of 85 he ran 10.85 et at 129 miles per hour driving his prized silver corvette.  

Gordy cared for others and was always there to help.  He made the rounds a couple times a week to visit all his friends that lived nearby and loved to go to breakfast every day to see all the guys.  He loved and will be missed by closest friends Fred and Jon West and family, Dave Tanner family, Todd Reynolds family, Steve and Joe Teet and family, Scott Sass family, Ken Wainer family, Tim Swan family, and considerably more. Survivors include Gordon’s brother, Dr. Norman Nunamaker (Carolyn Schall), Gettysburg, PA; cousins, Joanne Cousino, Oregon, OH, Jeff Jarrins, Virginia Beach, VA, and David Jarczynski, Florida, niece, Nancy Rehm, Dallas, PA, and nephew, Eric Nunamaker, Gettysburg, PA. Gordon is also survived by Donny Siegler and his family—Kenny, Chad and Devin, who were all his extended family. Gordy is now chasing the quarter mile with the best of the best.   At Gordon’s request there will be no funeral service.  A celebration of life is being planned for this summer.

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