William Michael Fay

William Michael Fay (Michael), age 63 Michael Fay of Springfield, Virginia passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. He was born in Washington, DC to William Cochran Fay and Susie Fay on September 5, 1958. Michael spent most of his life in Springfield, Virginia and Havre de Grace, Maryland. He graduated from Annandale High School and attended the University of Tennessee. A man of many interests, Michael pursued a number of career paths in his lifetime such as computer programmer, DJ, photographer, bar manager, and graphic designer. Michael was an accomplished Pitmaster of the Aporkalypse Now BBQ competition team with numerous grand champion titles and awards, including winning the National Capital Barbecue Battle three years in a row. He was invited to compete in the Jack Daniels World Championship barbecue contest eight times and received several invitations to the American Royal World Series of Barbecue. With his passion for BBQ and cooking in general, Michael was also a mentor to many other cooks and truly enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others, whether teaching a class or just talking BBQ at a competition. Michael was a long-time member of the Mid Atlantic Barbecue Association and was instrumental in the early growth of that organization. He served as President of the Board of Directors for many years and continued to support the organization after leaving the board. He was also a long-time member of the Kansas City Barbeque Society. In addition to competition, Michael was always ready to volunteer his culinary talents on behalf of veterans’ organizations, the local food bank, and animal welfare charities. In the off season, Michael could be found cheering for his beloved Green Bay Packers or sipping a tropical drink on the sands of Bermuda. Michael is preceded in death by his father, William Fay. He is survived by his mother, Susie Fay, his partner, Lisa Dommes, and her children Jessica Dommes, Erika Dommes, Chris Ratliff and Jennifer Schneider. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Michael Fay to an animal welfare charity, food bank, or veterans' support organization. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.demainefunerals.com for the family.