William "Junior" Dalton

PRINCETON – William “Junior” Dalton, 90, of Princeton, died Saturday, March 15, 2025 following a lengthy illness. Born January 7, 1935 in Dott, he was the son of the late Howard Dalton and Ethel Widener Dalton. Mr. Dalton was a graduate of Spanishburg High School, Concord College, Bluefield State College and McClain Business College. He received a bachelor’s degree in business management. He worked for American Block Co., Concord College and at the US Pentagon before returning home to operate a machine shop with his brother. Junior’s lifelong dream and love was drag racing. The Dalton Gang was formed, and the winning began – with his brother, Deedle Dalton and Freddie Sisk. “Wild Bill” Dalton won many International Drag Racing awards. He raced in the first IHRA race and the last IHRA race at Bristol Dragway. Junior was a member of Princeton Elks Lodge #1459 and a Moose member General Assembly IL Lodge 3000. He also loved sewing and made beautiful quilts, aprons, table runners, purses and tote bags. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Aaron Jason Dalton. Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Robin Beamer Dalton; one daughter, Lee File and husband John of Beckley; one son, Howie Dalton and daughter-in-law, Gina Sively of Princeton; one brother, Oscar Lee “Deedle” Dalton of Princeton; sister-in-law, Judy Crotty and husband Kenny of Princeton; three granddaughters, Audrey File Yambrick and husband Chris, Haley Cripps and husband Ben and Kelsey Deverin; four great grandchildren, Lilly and Luke Yambrick and Chloe and Claire Cripps; four nieces and nephews, Ricky Dalton and wife Tammy, Tanga Cline and husband David, Jeff Dalton and wife Cathy and Cindy Dalton and companion Wes Eller; and his granddog Bella. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton with Pastor Andrew Maynor officiating and eulogist, Kenny Crotty. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Serving as pallbearers will be Ricky Dalton, Jeff Dalton, David Cline, Daniel Gibson, John Keatley and Jeremy Tolliver. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 1116 Mercer St., Princeton, WV 24740 or to Glenwood Healthcare Center, 1924 Glenwood Park Rd., Princeton, WV 24740. The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 19, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. until service hour at the Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.bailey-kirk.com.

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William "Junior" Dalton

January 7, 1935 - March 15, 2025