Big Bob Gibson's 'heart + soul' has passed away at 84

The exterior and neon sign on the side of Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Alabama — Big Bob Gibson is a nationally renowned barbecue stop. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q recently announced that its present head of company and “heart and soul,” Don McLemore, has died. He was 84 years old.

The famous Decatur restaurant shared McLemore’s obituary stating that he died peacefully on April 17, surrounded by his family. He passed with his wife, Carolyn, and their three daughters by his side.

More on McLemore

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McLemore and Big Bob Gibson

Framed blue ribbons at Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Alabama — McLemore led Big Bob Gibson to lots of awards during his tenure. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

McLemore took over Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in 1972. The iconic and award-winning barbecue joint was opened in 1925 by McLemore’s grandfather and has been a family-led business throughout its century-long tenure.

Under McLemore’s leadership, Big Bob Gibson developed into the famous Alabama barbecue spot that it is now. McLemore led the restaurant to nationwide acclaim and awards.

Additionally, McLemore earned honors himself, including being named Alabama “Restaurateur of the Year,” induction into the Alabama BBQ Hall of Fame and receiving the “Pioneer of Barbecue” award at the 2025 Jack Daniels Invitational Barbecue contest.

More on McLemore’s passing

big Bob gibson's — Big Bob Gibson’s has award-winning barbecue and sauce. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

McLemore’s signature contribution to the now nationally known barbecue restaurant is his work in creating and refined the barbecue sauces, now synonymous with the Big Bob Gibson name.

His obituary stated that his favorite food always remained a barbecue pork sandwich prepared “like Don likes it.” On social media, the restaurant shared the news of his passing alongside a note,

“With heavy hearts, we share the loss of the heart and soul behind Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q. He will always have a special place at our table.”

_{Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, Facebook}

Information about McLemore’s service

The interior dining room of the Sixth Avenue location of Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Alabama — Big Bob Gibson is always worth a visit. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast)

Services for McLemore will be held at Decatur Methodist Church Saturday, April 25 at 1PM. A graveside service will follow at Roselawn Cemetery, and a visitation will be held from 11AM-1PM.

In place of flowers, the family asked that people consider making a donation in Don’s name to Chapel Hill Methodist Church.

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