Long-time Louisiana sponsor Dickie Allen, whose Triple A Diesel sponsored a long list of drivers including Wendell Wallace, Jack Sullivan, James Ward and Neil Baggett, died Monday after several years of battling a rare blood disorder. He was 53.

A life-long auto racing fan, Allen lived in Denham Springs, La., and owned his truck service operation along with his wife Lisa.

“Dickie was one of those rare individuals, who got the most joy in life out of helping others,” Sullivan said. “He was the kind of guy that would do whatever he could to support you both on the track and off the track. He had an awesome personality, and you knew whenever he was around that there would be no shortage of laughs. Professionally and personally he meant a lot to me. I’m really going to miss him.”

Besides his wife Lisa, survivors include a stepson and grandson. Visitation is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 3, at Amite Baptist Church in Denham Springs; the funeral is at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Editor's note: Updates with arrangements and details of illness.