About

Kerby Damery was a gift from God! He was an extraordinary person and was such an inspiration. He truly was a happy person that was always was uplifting and encouraging! He enjoyed making people laugh and always had great wisdom. His laugh was contagious that spread good cheer and LOVE to others.

Kerby grew up here in Macon and graduated as “Macon Ironman”, a true man of Steele! His passion for racing goes back to when he was a little boy, when his dad and older brothers, helped build the walls around Macon Speedway years ago! As repayment, Wayne Webb, told Cecil (Kerby’s dad) that he could bring his family to the races for FREE every Saturday night! Perfect family fun entertainment for a family of 10 kids! This why Kerby’s car was # 10 because he was the baby of 10!

He grew up watching his idle Jim Ater, “dirt Squart” race every Saturday night! And the man who inspired Kerby to become race car. His passion turned into a dream when he started racing at his hometown track around age 21. He was a competitive driver that was determined to have fun and Live LIFE. He went on to win the Macon Speedway Track Champion in 1990. A few years later he drove a modified race car then advanced to late model series. Kerby and his dedicated racing team and crew chief brought the orange & blue number 10 to numerous tracks across Central Illinois.

Career Highlights:

• 1990 Sportsman Macon Speedway Track Championship
• 1998 & 2001 Macon Speedway Budweiser Shoot Out
• 2004 Late Model Macon Speedway Track Championship
• 2006 Northern All Stars Late Model Runner Up & Northern All Stars Rookie of the Year
• Numerous wins in Sportsman, Modified and Late Model Divisions

In 2007 at the age of 42, Kerby was diagnosed with stage 4 appendix cancer. He fought with determination, courage & bravery. Throughout his race he remained faithful, strong and positive despite the many setbacks he had endured in his 8-year journey.

Kerby passed on Feb 8, 2015 at the age 49. He did not lose his battle to cancer, he won it by living life to the fullest, inspiring others, and touching the lives of so many around him.

INSPIRE others to never give up and have a winning attitude.

EDUCATE about cancer awareness and screening.

SUPPORT patients through their cancer journey.

HIS MISSION became the KERBYSTRONG mission. Kerby Damery had a passion for helping others. Even during his struggle with cancer, he was thinking of ways to help other families affected by the disease. His memory lives on through the KerbyStrong Foundation’s dedication to help those in our community that are affected by cancer. By Inspiring, educating and supporting our community, his legacy lives on.

Left to Right: Kevin Damery, Nikki Damery, Blake Damery, Abbey Damery

Board of Directors:
Executive Director: Nikki Damery (widow)
President: Blake Damery (son)
Vice President: Brian Hayes (friend)
Treasure: Ryan Clark (friend)
Secretary: Abbey Damery (niece)
Luke Damery (son), Kevin Damery (brother), Jamie Clark (friend), Becky Logan (friend), Ian Logan (friend), Laura Hilvety (friend) & Jarrod McDaniel (nephew).