Ralph V. "The Racer" Andrews

Ralph V. “The Racer” Andrews, 78 of Winston Salem, NC and formerly of Greenwood, IN and Whiteland, IN passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

He was born April 23, 1948 in Durham, NC to Thomas W. “Jim” Andrews and Alease (Gray) Andrews.

Upon moving to Indiana, he attended Greenwood Schools and graduating in 1966. He attended Vincennes University and Murray State University in Murray, KY.

Upon finishing college, he joined the United States Navy serving on the minesweeper Dynamic in Vietnam. After his honorable discharge, he held several jobs finally working at Arvin Gladstone plant on Columbus, IN until his retirement.

He was a life member of the Whiteland V.F.W, the Greenwood American Legion Post having been a member of the Honor Guards in both and the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Ralph was a devoted racing fan and a walking encyclopedia of racing facts considering he had attended the Indianapolis 500 for over 60 years except when he was serving in the United States Navy and during an illness and the Brickyard 400 from the first race until last year missing only one race.

He was an avid Indiana University basketball fan, cheered for the North Carolina Duke Blue Devils, Wake Forest University, and loved the NFL. Ralph followed other sports as well.

Many friends and those who became his chosen family here in Indiana survive Ralph.

Services are private.

Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN is handling the local arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.