The Bill Gray Memorial Whole Hog Cook-off will be on December 9th and 10th at South Lenoir High School at 3355 Highway 11 in Deep Run. The Bill Gray Memorial Whole Hog Cook-off is a fundraiser for Deep Run Volunteer Fire Department and the Deep Run community. Mr. Gray was said to be the heart of the Deep Run community and is remembered for all the hogs he cooked for the people and community he loved.

“I attended the Whole Hog BBQ Summit at the Lenoir County Extension office last February with the sole intention of starting the process to become a judge,” said event organizer Kelly Raynor. “While at the event my wheels started turning, and I knew right then I wanted to organize a Cook-Off.”

Gray frequently cooked whole hogs for community fundraisers as well as for people in the community for different events. He even cooked the hog for Raynor’s graduation party.

“Mr. Bill was the most selfless person you could meet,” said Raynor. “Mr. Bill loved this community and the fire department where he was a member for 43 years.”

After discussing the event with her family, Raynor reached out to the Deep Run Volunteer Fire Department and Gray’s family to ensure that the community supported her whole hog cook-off idea.

“Once everyone was on board, I contacted Tammy Kelly, Kelly Tyndall, and Chris Decker,” said Raynor. “The three of them have been the biggest blessing to getting this event off the ground. All the monies raised from this event will be split between the Deep Run Volunteer Fire Department and the Community for an event such as the Independence Day Parade that is organized by Jo Ellen Sloan.”

Raynor, and other community stakeholders have plans to bring more events to the Deep Run community. The cook-off starts Friday night with introducing teams and sponsors at 6:30 pm and the pigs are distributed at 8:00 pm for the official start of the competition. Judging will begin at 8:00 am Saturday morning and winners announced at 1:00 pm. BBQ sandwiches and BBQ by the pound will be available for purchase starting at 11:00 am. BBQ Sandwiches will be $5, and BBQ by the pound will be $10. There will be vendors at the event on Saturday.

“Please come out and support our community,” said Raynor.