The NASCAR community honored retired driver Greg Biffle and his family at a memorial service Friday, weeks after they were killed in a plane crash a week before Christmas.
Driver/influencer Garrett Mitchell, known as "Cleetus McFarland" in his YouTube videos and a close friend of Biffle’s, was among those who spoke at the service.
"We have all been saying, ‘Be like Biff,’ since we lost our hero," said Mitchell, who befriended Biffle later in his life. "What does that mean? That means to take opportunities when you see them. Whether you are taking opportunity to pass somebody on the track or getting off your couch to chase a dream you have only been talking about for the past five years.
"It means showing up for your friends and family. It means using your heart to make the world a better place. It means being generous whenever you can and helping other humans when they’re down. That is what it means to be like Biff," Mitchell added.
Greg Biffle’s death
What we know:
Biffle, 55, was among seven killed along with his wife, Cristina, and children Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14, when the plane crashed near the airport in Statesville, North Carolina, according to authorities. Others on the plane were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.
FILE - Greg Biffle celebrates in Victory Lane wife his wife Nicole and daughter Emma after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 16, 2013 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Rainier Ehrhardt/N …
The Cessna C550 burst into flames when it hit the ground shortly after it departed Statesville Regional Airport. The plane crashed while trying to return and land, authorities said.
RELATED: Fiery plane crash that killed NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and family captured in new video
What we don't know:
Federal regulators are still investigating the cause of the crash.
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Life & legacy of NASCAR driver Greg Biffle
Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, Cristina, their son Ryder, and Greg's daughter, Emma, were killed in a plane crash in North Carolina. LiveNOW's Mike Pache spoke about Biffle's career as a NASCAR driver and his legacy off the track with FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass.
Biffle’s niece, Jordyn Biffle, told stories about Ryder’s hero being his father, Emma’s laughter and Cristina’s loving nature.
She said the Biffle family "lived fully, loved deeply and gave freely."
"Their lives remind us that what matters isn’t how long we are here, but how we use the time we are given and how fiercely we love while we are here," Biffle added. "And while this loss is devastating beyond words, their impact remains etched into all of us that were lucky enough to have known them, loved them and be changed by them."
The backstory:
Biffle drove for 18 years and was named by NASCAR as one of its top 75 drivers in history. He was a Hall of Fame nominee for the stock car series. He drew headlines last year with tireless humanitarian efforts as a helicopter pilot supplying aid in the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene.
Last week, Biffle’s home in Mooresville, North Carolina, was burglarized. Police say $30,000 in cash, some guns and memorabilia were stolen.
The Source: This article includes information from The Associated Press and previous FOX Local reporting.