Thomas Joel Heid, age 83 of Orangeville, died Thursday, April 14.

Tom was born Oct. 20, 1938, in Kalamazoo, the son of Matthew and Dorothea (Pritchard) Heid. He was a very talented Bobcat and motorcycle mechanic and worked at Perry Harley Davidson before moving to Richland Equipment and finally retiring from Carleton Equipment. He also did many mechanical repairs for friends and family in the Orangeville area throughout the years.

Racing motorcycles was a big part of Tom’s life, including racing for 21 years at Daytona International Speedway, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, and GingerMan Raceway, where he proudly wore the number 15. As a son of a sprint car racer, he enjoyed watching races at Eldora Speedway and the World of Outlaws for many years.

In his free time, Tom also enjoyed riding in and organizing many benefit bike runs in his honor.

Tom is survived by his wife, Judy Heid; children: Tammy (Carl) Eakins, Tommy Heid, Kelli (Doug) Bird; grandchildren: Rex (Lauren) Risner, Jennifer (Raymond) Lindsey; nine great grandchildren; sister, Susan Franklin; and several nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jackie Heid; siblings: David (Jackie) Heid and Judy McNiff.

Tom’s family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home, where his funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 21. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery.