Page 5 - JAN2020 BBQNEWS Digital Issue

In Memoriam: Tribute to those whose fire will never end
Doc Gillis
and Joe
Phelps
These two
fishing bud-
dies from
Douglas, GA
started it all
30 years ago
and their
contribu-
tions to the
BBQ world
are still
being recog-
nized today. Right is Joe Phelps, founding publisher and left is Dr. Donald “Doc” Gillis, founding editor of the National Barbecue News.
Joe Phelps served on the National Barbe- cue and Grilling Association board of di- rectors for many years and actually stepped up to assume the role of Presi- dent when the organization was faced with several difficult years. He served as a master judge on most weekends while helping to keep the Barbecue News printed, mailed, and in front of those ad- vertisers who were looking to get their message to the barbecue world.
Dr. Donald “Doc” Gillis was born to bar-
becue and his love for cooking outdoors is
sole reason the Barbecue News publication began. Until his pass- ing in 2005 Doc was forever cooking or teaching his craft to any- one who was needing help. Doc was always ready for a road trip and logged many miles while learning and sharing about the bar- becue world inside the pages of this publication. Without his pas- sion for sharing his craft and knowledge
you might not be reading this now.
Rocky Danner
Rocky Danner was without question one of the most experienced barbecue judges we have ever had to contribute for the Barbecue News. Not only was he a master judge but he was also a really great organizer of events. Rocky made his debut inside the Barbecue News back in October of 1999 as he was caught judging barbecue. He submitted
his first article and photos for the May 2000 issue and was instru- mental in helping grow the publication for the next 15 plus years. Be looking for the February 2020 issue as we pay tribute to a should be Hall of Famer in Rocky Danner!
Billy Bones
If there was ever a Super Hero in the world of barbecue then Billy Bones would surely take on that role. One of the most knowledgeable barbecue guys we have ever known who would never hold back any in- formation about anything he knew. Billy contributed to Bar-
becue News in the very early days and his reputation as one of ”The Best Rib- bers Ever” is still alive and well today on the ribfest circuit that tours America today. Billy was also a solid fixture on our Barbecue News forum back in the early and middle 2000’s. On this plat- form he gave away more knowledge while helping countless new comers learn what real barbecue was all about.
Brian Heinecke
Brian Heinicke’s first meeting with Bar- becue News was in Texas where Doc and
Joe were attending a NBBQA Conven- tion. Brian was an executive with a large company was just happened to be staying at the same hotel that the con-
vention was being held. Late on Friday
Brian found out the convention there
was all about barbecue and headed
down in that direction to find out more
about what was happening. The first
person he encountered and questioned
about the conference was Joe Phelps.
By the time the conversation ended,
Brian had cancelled his flight back
home, registered for the conference and had a complete list of ac- tivities coming up in the world of barbecue. He retired soon after and became a full-time writer and was the ultimate barbecue en- thusiast.
Trailblazing Giants
Thanks for blazing the trail before us A trail that was never easy
but always original
A trail that is now 30 years long
We look forward to the future And extending the trail you blazed By honoring those giants
Who have gone before us
Kell Phelps
JANUARY 2020
BarbecueNews.com - 5