Dennis William LaCroix, 69, of Mooresville, N.C., left us peacefully on Monday, January 1, 2024, at home in the loving arms of his wife after a long, brave battle with cancer. He was born January 10, 1954, in Attleboro, Mass., to the late Kenneth Sr. and Edith LaCroix. Dennis is survived by his beloved wife Maria; children, Gene Hicks (Kim), Lucas, Landon and Logan Terriquez; brothers, Kenneth LaCroix (Linda), Timothy LaCroix (Paula); grandchildren, Michael (Jordan) Hicks and Holly (Josh) Frankos; great- grandchildren, Giselle, London, Maverick and Everly; nephews, Derek LaCroix (Emily) Timothy LaCroix (Kourtney); nieces, Heather Hunt (Scott) and Amanda Sanford (Charles).
He moved down to Mooresville in 1996 to drive a transport hauler for Brett Bodine Racing, which started his career in NASCAR, and he respectively earned the nickname *keyman.” During his 27 years in the sport, he was employed for various teams and touched the lives of many. He was one of the nicest people you could meet in the garage, always lent a hand if needed and was a hard worker.
He always said “I have traveled millions of miles and have never seen a damn thing but racetracks.” He not only transported the race cars, he also fueled the cars, spotted on road courses and cooked for the team. He was well known for his grilling abilities, which resulted in a few spectacular grease fires.
Prior to moving to Mooresville, he worked in management at Stop & Shop for over 20 years in Rhode Island. He took his jobs seriously. During the “Blizzard in 1977,” he walked to work and stayed there for four days and slept on the conveyor belt. On another occasion a kid sprayed him with perfume and he chased him all over the store.
For 20 years, he played drums with the band “Tony & the Memphis Sound,” sharing his love of country music with anyone who wanted to listen. Dennis loved Elvis Presley. How appropriate that his last ride was in the same hearse that transported his idol.
His love for Miller Lite in a bottle and a good New York strip steak was endless. Dennis loved automobiles and was a Jeep enthusiast with his prize-winning 1985 Jeep Scrambler being his favorite possession along with his recently restored 1990 Ford Lariat Dually.
He also had a passion for Iracing and was known to be a great champion in his own mind. His favorite quote on the radio was “wreck him.”
Although Dennis was a quiet gentleman, he never met a stranger and had a great sense of humor. He had Carolina blue eyes with an infectious smile with his precious dimples. He was loved by many and will be missed more than words can say.
Relationships made in life are shattered upon death, but the bond, memories and love are forever unbreakable.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is proudly serving the LaCroix family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.