Melissa Wallace
My condolences to the family of Jack Merlin Sr. on his passing. My favorite memory of Jack is the day I met him. My Dad was the photographer at the Nasville Speedway and he asked me to assist him. I walked race car to race car selling Dad's photos. I was just 16 years old and I was kind of scared being down in the Pits for the first time. Suddenly, as I was walking along, a nice policeman I did not know standing there in full uniform said, "You okay kid?" I told him I was okay, just kinda scared being in this new environment. Jack assured me that he would keep an eye on me and told me that if I had any problems just run to him. Then, he commented how hot and thirsty I looked and bought me a lemonade at Concessions. I felt better after that. Jack did for me what the best of Police do for the us that day. He made me feel safer by his presence and kindness. That is how I met Jack. My heartfelt prayers for his 3 boys and the rest of his family.
