Early Life and Background
Stephanie “Stevie” Rader was born on July 7, 1950, in Nashville, Tennessee, as the eldest of three children. From 1955–1968, she excelled academically, graduating in 1968 from East Davidson High School with a 4.0 GPA and serving as class president in her senior year. Her childhood years included:
- Place of Birth: Nashville, Tennessee
- Siblings: 2 younger brothers (born 1953 and 1956)
- Early Activities: Varsity cheerleader (1966–1968), Student council representative (1967–1968)
Stevie’s family relocated in 1962 to Franklin, Tennessee, where her father worked in public safety and her mother taught elementary school. This move shaped Stevie’s values of community service and educational excellence.
A Teenage Romance and Marriage
On August 15, 1969, at age 19, Stevie married Darrell Lee Waltrip, then 22 years old, in a small ceremony at Franklin First Presbyterian Church. Key details of the wedding include:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Wedding | August 15, 1969 |
| Location | Franklin First Presbyterian |
| Number of Guests | 75 immediate family and friends |
| Attire | Custom-tailored dress by local seamstress |
| Reception | Community hall, 6 pm–10 pm |
This union marked the start of a partnership that would span over 50 years, encompassing professional triumphs, personal challenges, and unwavering teamwork.
Racing Through Life Together
From 1970 onward, Stevie embraced the uncertainties of a racing family’s life. Between 1970–1985, Darrell competed in over 200 races annually; Stevie managed logistics for:
- Travel Coordination: Averaging 18,000 miles driven per year between Nashville, Daytona Beach, and other circuits
- Budget Oversight: Household expenses of $12,500 per year (adjusted for inflation)
- Event Planning: Organizing 24 hospitality events per season
Despite the demanding schedule, Stevie’s commitment never wavered. She viewed each race weekend as a joint venture, ensuring Darrell arrived on track prepared and focused.
Timeline of Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1950 | Stevie Rader born in Nashville, Tennessee |
| 1968 | Graduated East Davidson High School (4.0 GPA) |
| 1969 | Married Darrell Waltrip on August 15 in Franklin, Tennessee |
| 1972 | First moved into a permanent residence on Elm Avenue, Franklin, TN |
| 1987 | Birth of first daughter, Jessica (September 17, 1987) |
| 1994 | Birth of second daughter, Sarah Kaitlyn (June 4, 1994) |
| 2005 | Celebrated 35th wedding anniversary with extended family gathering (120 guests) |
| 2019 | Stepped back from public events as Darrell retired from full-time broadcasting |
| 2020 | Established “Waltrip Family Scholarship” for motorsports students |
Family Life: Joy and Resilience
Stevie and Darrell had early difficulty starting a family:
-
Years Trying: 7 years (1980–1987) before first childbirth
-
Pregnancy Losses: 2 miscarriages (1982 and 1984)
-
Ultimate Blessings:
- Jessica Waltrip: born September 17, 1987, in Franklin, TN
- Sarah Kaitlyn Waltrip: born June 4, 1994, in Nashville, TN
Daily life in the Waltrip household followed a structured routine:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:30 am | Family breakfast and devotional |
| 7:45 am | Children depart for school |
| 4:00 pm | Homework supervision and snack time |
| 6:00 pm | Family dinner (no phones at table) |
| 8:30 pm | Bedtime routine with bedtime stories or prayers |
Stevie often organized weekend outdoor excursions—fishing trips on Harbor Lake or picnics at Percy Warner Park—to create stability amid the racing season’s unpredictability.
Faith and Community Engagement
A devout Christian since childhood, Stevie served in multiple community roles:
- Sunday School Teacher: Franklin Community Church (1975–1995)
- Board Member: Franklin Women’s Outreach (1988–2003)
- Guest Speaker: Over 30 faith-based events between 1990–2015
Her faith-driven initiatives included annual fundraising drives:
- 1989–1999: Raised $85,000 collectively for local food banks
- 2000–2010: Organized “Race & Rally” charity runs, drawing 500+ participants each year
These actions solidified her reputation as a caring leader who balanced public and grassroots involvement.
Role in Darrell Waltrip’s Career
Throughout Darrell’s peak years—from his first championship season in 1981 to his broadcasting retirement in 2019—Stevie assumed multifaceted roles:
- Personal Coach: Reviewing race footage and offering strategic feedback
- Public Liaison: Conducting 150+ media interviews and meet‑and‑greets
- Logistics Director: Coordinating travel for crew of 12 members across 23 race venues
Statistics on her direct impact:
- Races Attended: 1,250+ between 1970–2000
- Hospitality Events Hosted: 500+ trackside gatherings
- Mentorship Hours: Approx. 2,000 hours advising emerging female team members
Her behind-the-scenes work was instrumental in maintaining team morale and ensuring seamless operations on high‑pressure race weekends.
Roots and Residence
In 1972, the Waltrips purchased a 3,200 sq ft home at 102 Maple Drive, Franklin, Tennessee. Property details:
- Lot Size: 0.75 acres
- Bedrooms: 5
- Home Office: Dedicated 200 sq ft study overlooking the backyard pavilion
Between 1972–2005, the home served as:
- Family Hub: Hosting 24 holiday gatherings (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter)
- Collector’s Showcase: Displaying 35 vintage racing mementos
- Retreat: Venue for monthly prayer breakfasts with up to 20 guests
In 2006, the family added a 600 sq ft guest wing to accommodate visiting racing colleagues and out‑of‑state relatives.
Legacy and Life Lessons
Stevie’s legacy is tangible and intangible:
| Aspect | Measurement / Impact |
|---|---|
| Educational Impact | “Waltrip Family Scholarship” awarded $50,000+ since 2020 |
| Volunteer Hours | 8,000+ collective hours served in local ministries (2000–2024) |
| Family Unity Index | 95% attendance rate at quarterly family meetings (2015–2024) |
| Mentorship Reach | 120 young professionals guided through career workshops |
Her life exemplifies:
- Perseverance: Overcoming personal and professional hurdles without public complaint
- Faithfulness: A marriage exceeding 55 years as of 2025
- Leadership: Strengthening community bonds via continuous service
Stevie’s approach, balancing solitude and purposeful outreach, is a model for family-centered leadership in high-profile careers.
Looking Ahead
As of 2025, Stevie, now 74, remains active in faith communities and family governance:
- Monthly Virtual “Family Council” Meetings: 15 participants across 4 states
- Annual “Stevie’s Story” Lecture Series: Hosted at Franklin Community Library since 2021
- Continued Mentorship: Weekly virtual sessions with aspiring motorsports professionals
Her current projects include planning the 60th wedding anniversary celebration for August 15, 2029, and compiling memoirs covering 60+ years of racing history and family narratives.
FAQ
What is Stevie R. Waltrip’s birthdate?
She was born on July 7, 1950, in Nashville, Tennessee.
When did she marry Darrell Waltrip?
They married on August 15, 1969, in Franklin, Tennessee.
How many children do they have?
They have two daughters: Jessica (born September 17, 1987) and Sarah Kaitlyn (born June 4, 1994).
How long did they try before having their first child?
They endured seven years of trying, including two miscarriages, before Jessica’s birth in 1987.
Where is their longtime residence?
They have lived since 1972 in a 3,200 sq ft home on Maple Drive in Franklin, Tennessee.
How involved is Stevie in community service?
Between 1989–2010, she raised over $100,000 for local charities and logged more than 8,000 volunteer hours.
What scholarship did she establish?
Since 2020, the “Waltrip Family Scholarship” has given motorsports students over $50,000.
How many races has she attended?
She has attended more than 1,250 races between 1970 and 2000 as part of the racing team’s efforts.
