Local fire department honors longtime volunteer with hog cook-off
DEEP RUN — The Bill Gray Memorial Whole Hog Cook-Off is scheduled for Dec. 13-14, 2024, at the Deep Run Volunteer Fire Department. The event honors Bill Gray, who volunteered with the department for 43 years and participated in community fundraising efforts for multiple decades.
Gray was born Dec. 5, 1943, in Deep Run. He married Priscilla “Syl” Gray in 1965, and they had two children and raised a granddaughter. He served as a Mason for more than 50 years. During that time, he led many fundraising projects that assisted residents with medical expenses and other financial needs. Gray prepared hogs for numerous barbecues and supported events at the Deep Run Volunteer Fire Department, Christian Chapel Church, and Deep Run Original Freewill Baptist Church. He cooked fish stews, shrimp stews, chicken pastry, chicken, and other dishes at community functions, including Christmas meals, and engaged in fundraising for Relay For Life, where he raised substantial amounts of money.
“The Bill Gray Memorial Whole Hog Cook-Off would not be possible without the support of our sponsors,” said the organizers of the whole hog cook-off on a Facebook post. Sponsors of the event include Southern Bank, Ironclad Outfitters, G&M Sales, JB Rich Transport, Integrated Container Corporation, Farm Bureau, Deep Run OFWB Church, Mohrfeld Farms, Josh Bradshaw Plumbing, SLS Customs, The Bill Gray Family, and Down East Farms.
The cook-off continues this tradition of community engagement and financial support for the volunteer fire department. According to organizers, the event will feature up to 10 cook teams that will receive one pig each from the department. All teams must check in by 6 p.m. on Dec. 13. Cooking equipment may be set up after 4 p.m. on the same day, and a required briefing for chief cooks will take place at 6:30 p.m. Pigs will be distributed at 8 p.m. to begin the overnight cooking process.
Judging is based on product quality and includes first, second, and third place awards. There is also a prize for the highest sauce score.
The event is designed to maintain Gray’s legacy of service. Winners will be announced Dec. 14 once judging is complete and scores are calculated. Equipment removal is required by 5 p.m. that day.
“Please come out and support Deep Run Volunteer Fire Department and the Deep Run Community.”
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