Winfred Melvin, 76, of Crestview, Florida, got a visit from professional racer and McKenzie native Shep Lucas last week. Melvin has had limited mobility his entire life, and gets around with the help of his brother. Leo Melvin, who takes Winfred to watch racing on the weekends. Last year, Melvin was given only a month or so to live by doctors, a dismal prognosis for his advanced bladder cancer. Now, over a year later, family said he’s still doing well and is a blessing to those around him. Lucas traveled all the way to Crestview Florida to visit Melvin.

“Mr. Lucas doesn’t know how much we appreciate him, it really made Winfred’s day,” said Betty Melvin, Leo’s wife. “He gave up a day of church to drive all the way to Crestview from McKenzie.”