Celebrating the life of
C. Wiley McCrary Jr.
Passed away on August 09, 2018
Owner of Wiley's Championship BBQ on Whitemarsh Island
Clifford Wiley McCrary Jr., “Wiley”, of Savannah and formerly of Atlanta, died Thursday, August 9, 2018. He was the eponymous BBQ chef/owner of Wiley’s Championship BBQ on Whitemarsh Island, Savannah. He was 71.
Wiley was born in Atlanta on October 22, 1946. He was the son of Clifford Wiley McCrary and Frances Fair McCrary.
He graduated from North Fulton High School in Atlanta, where he catered many reunions. Wiley continued his education at Georgia Southwestern in Americus, where he founded the Sigma Nu Alpha (now Kappa Sigma) fraternity.
For the next 16 years, Wiley worked for Massey and Fair Food Brokers in Atlanta, which was started by his grandfather in 1929.
In 1983, Wiley followed his true passion and made his career in BBQ. For many years thereafter, Wiley owned a BBQ catering company in Atlanta and competed nationally on the professional BBQ circuit, where he won many awards including several state championships.
In 2005, he moved with his wife Janet Morgan McCrary to Savannah and later founded the nationally renowned Wiley’s Championship BBQ restaurant. Wiley also wrote a cookbook entitled “BBQ Secrets Old Men Take to the Grave”, the 2014 BBQ Book of the year by the National BBQ News.
Wiley was predeceased by his sister, Frances “Taddy” Jacobs, and his daughter Elizabeth McCrary.
He is survived by his devoted wife Janet; his sons, Clifford McCrary and Ben Morgan; his daughter, Julie McCrary Rogers; and many grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held at noon on Wednesday, August 15 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel, Savannah.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wiley’s name to the Humane Society for Greater Savannah, 7215 Sallie Mood Dr., Savannah, GA 31406 or Operation BBQ Relief, P.O. Box 3825, Shawnee, KS 66203.
To the McCrary family, may you and your family find comfort from the scriptures at “2 Corinthians 1:3,4” also “2 Thessalonians 2:16,17”. May Jehovah sustain you at this most difficult time.
- , ,
To all family and friends, I am sorry for your loss. Difficult times such as these are made better when we consider Jehovah's comforting words found in the Bible.1 Corinthians 15:26 helps comfort us in knowing that God's Kingdom will bring death to it's end. This is just one of many comforting promises that Jehovah will fulfill. I hope this brings you some comfort during this difficult time.
- www.jw.org, ,
My deepest sympathies to Janet and Wiley's loved ones. My stomach is growling thinking about Wiley's barbecue. 1 Corinthians 15:26, "And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing."
- B.B, , Ga
My sincere condolences to the family, please read the account about Lazarus at John 11:25,26. Jesus gave Martha assurance that there will be a resurrection.
- Kay F, Savannah, Ga
How very sorry we are to send our love and condolences to you, Janet, at this time. We have such precious memories from the early days when we made the wonderful discovery of Wileys. May God give you comfort and peace.
- Roberta and Ron Chadwick, Tybee Island, GA
Such a very close friend and many years of a great relationship, Will greatly miss you and will not think of barbecue without first thinking of Wiley McCrary. Much Love, Ed
- Ed Roith, Overland Park, , KS
Dear Janet and family, I'm so sorry to hear about Wiley's passing. So many fond memories of spending time with Willy and Jannell at events in the past. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was a unique and great man. Truly a legend. Love, Carolyn
- Carolyn Wells, Kansas City, MO
I'm so sorry for your loss, Janet and family. I am Wiley's 2nd cousin, but we only met a few times when I worked at Massey & Fair for a short time during a summer in college. I remember him as a kind and interesting man when he showed me his warehouse of novelty items which was his part of the business. I had no idea at the time he was such a BBQ enthusiast. I love good Georgia BBQ and regret not having visited his restaurant in the Savannah area. May his BBQ legacy live on and may peace be with you all. Lovingly, Jan
- Jan Murphy, Atlanta, Ga
So sorry to hear about Wiley. Rannie Griffin Murphy was Wiley’s Great Aunt. His grandmother, Irene was Rannie’s sister. I married Rannie’s son, Ralph Murphy in 1954 when I came here to teach school. Wiley was always fun loving & quite witty. I was the music teacher & taught Wiley in 4th Grade at Sara Smith Elementary School on Old Wieuca Rd. Wiley was the BBQ King; we enjoyed his bbq at Saye & Stan’s Home. Janet, our deep sympathy ; I lost Ralph in March. He was 94! God’s special caring love to you & all the family. “Aunt Gerri”
- Gerri Murphy , 600 River Cove Rd., Social Circle, GA
You will be missed my old friend. My, how we did enjoy our wine and crab puff "sessions" over the past 10 or 12 years! You were a special person and the best neighbor ever.
- Bill Thomas, Savannah, GA
God bless the little boy. Condolences 2 his family all of whom were nothing but good to myself and Alice.
- Doug, USA, Florida
We were so sorry to hear of Wiley’s passing. He had a good life and successful career Wishing you peace and happy memories
- Bill and Mickey Dodge, Savannah, GA
Wiley was not only a barbecue king but also a congenial host who was kind to animals as well as people. If people go to heaven for rescuing dogs and making delicious food, he is surely there. His presence will be sorely missed in Savannah. We pray for God to comfort Janet and family. May fond memories of him keep him alive in their hearts.
- Mary and Paul Ellis-Graham, Marlboro and Savannah, Ny/GA
Wiley--a man of quality and "the full pour." He'll be greatly missed but will live on in our hearts. It was a privilege knowing him. Our sympathies go out to Janet and family.
- Dick and Kathy Berman, Savannah, GA
To the McCrary family, may you and your family find comfort from the scriptures at “2 Corinthians 1:3,4” also “2 Thessalonians 2:16,17”. May Jehovah sustain you at this most difficult time.
- , ,
To all family and friends, I am sorry for your loss. Difficult times such as these are made better when we consider Jehovah's comforting words found in the Bible.1 Corinthians 15:26 helps comfort us in knowing that God's Kingdom will bring death to it's end. This is just one of many comforting promises that Jehovah will fulfill. I hope this brings you some comfort during this difficult time.
- www.jw.org, ,
My deepest sympathies to Janet and Wiley's loved ones. My stomach is growling thinking about Wiley's barbecue. 1 Corinthians 15:26, "And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing."
- B.B, , Ga
My sincere condolences to the family, please read the account about Lazarus at John 11:25,26. Jesus gave Martha assurance that there will be a resurrection.
- Kay F, Savannah, Ga
How very sorry we are to send our love and condolences to you, Janet, at this time. We have such precious memories from the early days when we made the wonderful discovery of Wileys. May God give you comfort and peace.
- Roberta and Ron Chadwick, Tybee Island, GA
Such a very close friend and many years of a great relationship, Will greatly miss you and will not think of barbecue without first thinking of Wiley McCrary. Much Love, Ed
- Ed Roith, Overland Park, , KS
Dear Janet and family, I'm so sorry to hear about Wiley's passing. So many fond memories of spending time with Willy and Jannell at events in the past. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was a unique and great man. Truly a legend. Love, Carolyn
- Carolyn Wells, Kansas City, MO
I'm so sorry for your loss, Janet and family. I am Wiley's 2nd cousin, but we only met a few times when I worked at Massey & Fair for a short time during a summer in college. I remember him as a kind and interesting man when he showed me his warehouse of novelty items which was his part of the business. I had no idea at the time he was such a BBQ enthusiast. I love good Georgia BBQ and regret not having visited his restaurant in the Savannah area. May his BBQ legacy live on and may peace be with you all. Lovingly, Jan
- Jan Murphy, Atlanta, Ga
So sorry to hear about Wiley. Rannie Griffin Murphy was Wiley’s Great Aunt. His grandmother, Irene was Rannie’s sister. I married Rannie’s son, Ralph Murphy in 1954 when I came here to teach school. Wiley was always fun loving & quite witty. I was the music teacher & taught Wiley in 4th Grade at Sara Smith Elementary School on Old Wieuca Rd. Wiley was the BBQ King; we enjoyed his bbq at Saye & Stan’s Home. Janet, our deep sympathy ; I lost Ralph in March. He was 94! God’s special caring love to you & all the family. “Aunt Gerri”
- Gerri Murphy , 600 River Cove Rd., Social Circle, GA
You will be missed my old friend. My, how we did enjoy our wine and crab puff "sessions" over the past 10 or 12 years! You were a special person and the best neighbor ever.
- Bill Thomas, Savannah, GA
God bless the little boy. Condolences 2 his family all of whom were nothing but good to myself and Alice.
- Doug, USA, Florida
We were so sorry to hear of Wiley’s passing. He had a good life and successful career Wishing you peace and happy memories
- Bill and Mickey Dodge, Savannah, GA
Wiley was not only a barbecue king but also a congenial host who was kind to animals as well as people. If people go to heaven for rescuing dogs and making delicious food, he is surely there. His presence will be sorely missed in Savannah. We pray for God to comfort Janet and family. May fond memories of him keep him alive in their hearts.
- Mary and Paul Ellis-Graham, Marlboro and Savannah, Ny/GA
Wiley--a man of quality and "the full pour." He'll be greatly missed but will live on in our hearts. It was a privilege knowing him. Our sympathies go out to Janet and family.
- Dick and Kathy Berman, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
