Hayward Don McLemore, the esteemed proprietor of Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, a cherished barbecue restaurant in Alabama, passed away on April 17, at the age of 84. His legacy in the culinary world spans decades, having taken the reins of the family-owned establishment that his grandfather founded in 1925.
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Known affectionately as “Don,” McLemore assumed ownership of the restaurant in 1972. Under his stewardship, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q grew to become a renowned name in the BBQ industry, heralded both locally and nationally for its exceptional flavours and innovative approaches to traditional recipes. His passing has elicited heartfelt tributes from the community, which he served with dedication throughout his life.
Andrew Lilly, McLemore’s grandson, expressed the profound impact of his grandfather’s influence on the restaurant and its patrons. “He knew almost every customer that walked through the door. He shared long-lasting relationships with everyone,” Lilly said, as he prepares to honour McLemore’s legacy alongside his family. He, along with his brother and father, is set to continue the business that has become a staple in Decatur, Alabama.
Family members remember McLemore as a gentle soul whose warmth and kindness extended beyond family ties. “He was a family man and a true Southern gentleman,” Lilly remarked, reflecting on McLemore’s approach to both customers and employees. “He took care of everybody, and you couldn’t say a bad thing about him.” This sentiment resonates deeply with many in the community, who have expressed their condolences and shared stories of personal interactions with McLemore.
A standout feature of Big Bob Gibson’s menu is the restaurant’s renowned white barbecue sauce, which McLemore cherished refining throughout his life. He often spoke of its origin during a video that outlined the restaurant’s storied history, stating that his grandfather created the sauce to complement grilled chicken in the late 1920s. This unique offering has become a hallmark of northern Alabama barbecue culture, setting the restaurant apart from its competitors.
Collaboratively, McLemore and his son-in-law Chris crafted a sweet, tomato-based barbecue sauce, fine-tuning the recipe over several months before they reached the final blend. This dedication to quality and tradition is part of what has earned the restaurant accolades, including being named “Restaurateur of the Year” in Alabama and an induction into the Alabama BBQ Hall of Fame.
Despite the fame and acclaim, McLemore often insisted that the core of the restaurant remained unchanged. He noted with pride that Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q continues to operate in a manner similar to its early days. “To the people in Decatur, we’re still just Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q as they’ve always known us,” he once shared, emphasising the restaurant’s roots and the community connection that it has maintained.
In a statement following McLemore’s death, the restaurant honoured him as “the heart and soul behind Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q,” promising that he would always hold a cherished place within their operations. The obituary noted that his office was a welcoming space, where he prioritised the needs of others above his own, embodying the profound spirit of service throughout his life.
Beyond his accomplishments in the restaurant industry, McLemore’s family life also flourished. He married Carolyn, his high school sweetheart, in 1963, and together they raised three daughters. They are also proud grandparents to six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. McLemore was deeply committed to his faith, serving many years as the administrative board chairman at Chapel Hill Methodist Church, which has requested donations in his memory in lieu of flowers.
His love for the outdoors was evident in his annual retreats to his hunting camp in Gainesville, Alabama, where he imparted his passion for nature to his daughters and grandchildren. McLemore often awaited their visits, cherishing those moments spent together in the great outdoors.
In a moving portrayal of McLemore’s legacy, his obituary stated, “He chose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service, like Christ modelled for us.” His genuine kindness and relentless positivity have left an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of knowing him, reminding everyone of the importance of compassion and community.
As the family embarks on the next chapter of Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, they carry with them the memory of a man described as a true Southern gentleman, whose impact will be deeply missed yet never forgotten. McLemore’s legacy will continue to thrive in the restaurant and through the lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.