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Drag Bikes: Tony Lee Dies of Heart Attack

27 May 1999

Known to most in the Motorcycle Drag Racing Community as International Drag Bike Association President for 20 years, Tony Lee died Wednesday May 26 of a massive heart attack at 2:50 p.m.

His given name is Robert M. Holmes, Jr. In Birmingham, he has long been known as the "Long Lewis Ford Man," having advertised for them for almost 40 years. He had been involved in some type of media since the age of 16. He retired from IDBA four years ago, but had remained as an advisor to both Leigh Ann Min of IDBA and Nia Henderson of Motorcycle Performance.

He was a member of the Scottish Rite Masonic Order and the Zamora Shriners.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Eveline Turner Holmes of Birmngham; daughters Leigh Ann (Phil) Min, Nia (Rob) Henderson, Kelly (Randy) Rowell, all of Birmingham; grandchildren, Campbell and Halley Henderson, Carter and Abigail Rowell of Birmingham; brother Milton M. Holmes of Birmingham, many in-laws, several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Shriners Hopsitals and Burn Centers for Children, the Scottish Rite Masonic Order, the American Heart Association or your favorite charity.

Funeral Services will be at Oakwood Memorial Gardendale Chapel, Gardendale, Alabama at 10:00 a.m. Saturday May 29. A private committal service will be held at a later time. Visitation will be Friday May 28 from 6 to 8:00 p.m. at the Gardendale Chapel, Oakwood Memorial Chapel Directing. (205)631-6252.

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