Obituary of Douglas Byron Worthing

Douglas B. Worthing, 70, of Owego, a family man, well-known dirt-track racer, also known as "The Junkyard Jet" finished his final race, Thursday, October 5, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. Doug was predeceased by his parents, Byron and Jane (Catlin) Worthing. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Shelly (Woodburn) Worthing; two daughters and sons-in-law, Mallory and Bill Gibson, Meredith and Steve Sagor; son and daughter-in-law, Byron and Nicole Worthing; five grandchildren who were the lights of his life, Coraline, Blake, Clayton, Barrett, Alexis; one granddaughter on the way; two brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Debra Worthing, Ray and Laurie Worthing; several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, dear friends and race fans. Doug grew up in Owego and loved his hometown. He graduated from Owego Free Academy in 1971 and SUNY Delhi in 1973. Doug worked at Central Sales in Owego before starting at E.E. Root and Sons. Doug retired as a superintendent with E.E. Root and Sons, Inc., Owego, NY. He considered them all a huge part of his extended family. Doug and Shelly met in 1985 at the races and recently celebrated 38 wonderful years of marriage. At a young age, Doug and Ray formed a race team that began the legacy and lifelong friendships that will be cherished forever. Doug had a true passion for Modified Dirt Track Racing and ended his racing career by becoming one of the original "50 Greatest Drivers" of modified racing at Five Mile Point Speedway. Doug was the modified track champion at Five Mile Point Speedway in 1993 with The Gowe Bros Racing Team. Recently, Doug was inducted into the Central New York Stock Car Hall of Fame. His favorite part of racing was the camaraderie. Doug continued his passion for racing watching his son, Byron, take the wheel. Doug also took a lot of pride in maintaining and running the family farm. He truly enjoyed working on the farm with his dad. Among the list of Doug's accomplishments, his family was the greatest! The family will receive friends, Thursday, Oct. 12th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 15 Park St., Owego, NY. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Oct. 13th at 11:00 a.m. at the Owego United Methodist Church, 261 Main St., Owego, NY. Memorial contributions may be made in Douglas B. Worthing's memory to the Spalding Foundation, Inc., 1074 Sulpher Springs Road, Owego, NY 13827. Condolences may be made to Doug's family at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com.