Paul Oyler

Mike Duvall, a World 100 winner and National Dirt Racing Association champion whose famed Flintstone F1yer caught the eye of every child in the grandstands, died early Tuesday morning. The first ballot National Dirt Late Model Hall of Famer from Cowpens, S.C., was 68. | Full obituary | Slideshow

“John 3:16 is daddy's favorite Bible verse and always has been,” his daughter Bonnie Duvall posted early Tuesday on Facebook. “At 3:16 this morning daddy went home to be with the Lord. He didn't leave on our time but on God's time.”

The likable driver who often wore a goatee and a black hat won more than 700 races over a racing career of nearly 40 years that was highlighted by his 1982 season with a national touring title and a victory at the sport’s most prestigious race at Ohio’s Eldora Speedway.

Duvall had battled with dementia and other health issues and had been under hospital and medical care through much of 2017.

Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Blakely Funeral Home in Gaffney, S.C. The funeral is 2 p.m. Thursday at Silica Springs Baptist Church in Gaffney, followed by burial at Fredrick Memorial Gardens. Find complete obituary at blakelyfuneralhome.com.

Editor's note: Adds arrangements.