Hayward Don McLemore

Don was born in Decatur, Alabama, to Hayward Coy and Catherine Gibson McLemore on December 9, 1941. He enjoyed a childhood rooted in family, friendship, church and the outdoors. Whether he was hunting, fishing, or riding his childhood horse, he was happiest surrounded by those he loved. He attended Austinville High School through 11th grade and graduated from Decatur High School in 1960. During those years he developed lifelong friendships and started dating the love of his life, Carolyn, whom he married in 1963.

He attended Florence State (now University of North Alabama) and earned a bachelor's degree in accounting in 1964. After college he worked for Burroughs Corporation selling and programming computers. In 1972 he took over the family business that his grandfather started in 1925, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q. Through Don’s leadership and business ingenuity, the local restaurant thrived and developed into the iconic and world-famous Alabama restaurant that it is today. The awards and recognition of this restaurant institution are countless, including Don being named “Restaurateur of the Year” by the State of Alabama, being inducted into the Alabama BBQ Hall of Fame, receiving the “Pioneer of Barbecue” Award at the 2015 Jack Daniels Invitational Barbecue contest, and being part of 5 Grand Championships at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking contest. Don took a particular interest in originating and refining the barbecue sauces that have become a staple of the Big Bob Gibson name. Don truly is a BBQ legend. Till his last days on this earth, his favorite food was a barbecue pork sandwich (prepared “like Don likes it”).

His refuge away from his business was his hunting camp in Gainesville, Alabama where he spent countless days with family and friends. It’s where he taught his daughters to drive, before they could legally get behind the wheel, and where he shared his love of the outdoors with his grandkids. Later in his life he would move to the camp for a month each year waiting on his “girls” and grandkids to visit. He knew that is where his entire family would be as long as he was there.

Don was a lifetime member of Chapel Hill Methodist Church in Decatur, where he served as Administrative Board Chairman for many years. His servant leadership and love for Christ was a blessing for both his church and his family. Don’s legacy will carry on forever, reminding us that how we live our lives leaves a lasting imprint on those whom we love and touch. He chose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service like Christ modeled for us.

Don is survived by his wife of 62 years Carolyn Braswell McLemore and their 3 daughters: Donna McLemore Coppedge (Louis) of Birmingham, Amy McLemore Lilly (Chris) of Decatur, and Julie McLemore Estes (Lee) of Birmingham; Six grandchildren, Jacob Lilly (Laura), Andrew Lilly (Kendall), Caroline Lilly, Mary Mac Coppedge, Libby Coppedge, and Charles Estes; Six great grandchildren, Wade Lilly, James Lilly, Banks Lilly, Ella Lilly, Gwen Lilly, and Luke Anderson. He is also survived by his sister Sandra Cordonis (Gus) and their family.

He lived life to the fullest with a servant’s heart, known for putting others before himself, never rushing ahead or taking the first seat. His office door at the restaurant was always open, a steady place of welcome for friends, family, and anyone who walked through the door. Don will be remembered for the genuine kindness that he shared with his friends and family. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Don touched the lives of so many people. He was a “Southern Gentleman” in the truest sense of the word. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Services will be held at Decatur Methodist Church on Saturday April 25, 2026, at 1pm, with a graveside service following at Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11am-1pm.

The pallbearers for the service are Louis Coppedge, John Cordonis, Lee Estes, Andrew Lilly, Chris Lilly, Jacob Lilly, Burt Terry and Todd Witt.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in Don’s name to Chapel Hill Methodist Church, 2644 Chapel Hill Rd SW, Decatur, AL 35603