We Mourn the Passing of Charles Stamey

I just saw this on Facebook —

It is with great sadness that we share the loss of our father, grandfather, pitmaster emeritus, Charles Stamey (90) son of Warner Stamey (founder), father to Chip Stamey (owner). He set the continued standards and pursuit for an excellent customer experience that we still strive for today. Though he has been retired since 1994, we will miss his presence and his way of thinking through any problem. Thank you for all you have done for our family business. May our continued pursuit for great barbecue and customer service make you proud. Chip, Chaz, & Craver Stamey.

I know I join thousands in mourning the passing of a fine man and a barbecue legend. Charles — Charlie –was the son of Warner Stamey, who founded one of the great barbecue places in North Carolina. Charlie followed his father as owner and pitmaster, and for years kept Stamey’s to the highest standards. One of the founding institutions of Lexington/Piedmont barbecue, Stamey’s has been a benchmark for that style ever since.

I’ve written about Stamey’s here and here. What wonderful pork, slaw, and hushpuppies! And the cobbler!

I need to get back there soon.

Pitmaster emeritus is a fine title, a proud one. Charlie Stamey served his country for four years in the Navy, and served his community and many others around the country and world by providing a magnificent product at a fair price. His obituary adds that

Charlie will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for the way he lived his life, with kindness, humility, and generosity. He was a true Renaissance man, finding joy in classical music, opera, and literature. His lifelong pursuits included gardening, golfing, woodworking and flying. He served his employees, church and community with a compassionate heart.

Charles Stamey lived a rich full life, an important life for 90 years. It was good to see a crowd of young Stameys, one a babe in arms, as a hopeful sign that there’ll be a Stamey keeping the Piedmont barbecue torch burning bright for years to come. May God temper the wind to the shorn lamb, and give those who loved him joy in his life and comfort in his passing.