NASCAR says goodbye to France in simple ceremony (cont'd)

France was recalled as more than a leader in the sport of auto racing. He was a man of vision and a man of great compassion, mourners said.

With U.S. flags draped in the background and dozens of flower arrangements lined along the front of the center's main stage, France's widow, Betty Jane, spoke briefly on behalf of the family, which includes son Brian and daughter Lesa France Kennedy, as well as younger brother Jim France.

"Bill France loved Daytona Beach, and today we can feel the love returned to him," she said before reciting a portion of Sermons We See, a favorite sonnet of France's written by Edgar Guest.

Daytona Beach mayor Glenn Ritchey said his longtime friend "didn't just live here, he was involved in the community."

"And there is no one," Ritchey said, "that hasn't benefited directly or indirectly from Bill France's [involvement]."

Car owner Rick Hendrick, also a featured speaker, recalled when he began his career in the sport. "I was fortunate," Hendrick said. "Harry Hyde, one of the old senior statesmen, was my crew chief, and he gave me some good advice.

"He said, 'Now I want to tell you something about the France family.

You're the new guy, you're going to go into racing and my advice to you is to keep your mouth shut and your head down. If they want to talk to you, they'll call you.'"

And, when the occasion called for it, Hendrick said, they did.

Hendrick said he will remember France "as one of the best friends I've had. He was our mentor, he was our leader and he was a great friend. And we're all going to miss him."

A graveside service for the family followed at Daytona Memorial Park.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.