He is remembered for his selfless and tireless work helping others as a helicopter pilot supplying aid a year ago in the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene.

The couple, who were killed in a plane crash along with their two children and three others, have a legacy of giving back, Cristina's mother Cathy Grossu tells PEOPLE

“He had his own helicopter and he was doing extractions on his own,” United Cajun Navy vice president Brian Trascher, who worked with Biffle to help those affected, told Fox Carolina. “I’m like, ‘Here’s this guy, like a race car driver. He’s got a helicopter. This guy’s like Batman.’”

A memorial for NASCAR legend Greg Biffle had only been up for an hour Thursday before Mooresville neighbors covered the sidewalk with flowers.