August 26, 2025, 90, Goldsboro —
Stephen “Steve” Grady Sr., owner and operator of Grady’s BBQ in Dudley and member of the North Carolina Bar-B-Q Hall of Fame, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at home surrounded by his family at the age of 90.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro. Burial will then follow at the Flanagans Cemetery in Seven Springs. Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.
Steve was born in Lenoir County on March 26, 1935, to the late Oscar Grady, Sr. and Annie Maye Grady. He was a farmer and worked for Casey’s Sawmill, Dudley for more than 30 years. He served two terms on the Wayne County Planning Board. Steve married Geraldine Kornegay Lewis, and together in 1986 they founded and managed the now world-famous Grady’s Bar-B-Que in Dudley.
Steve and Geral worked hard in their business. Steve honed his talent and became a skilled professional (Pitmaster) specializing in the art of barbecue and smoking meat. Grady’s has been listed on THE NORTH CAROLINAS BARBECUE SOCIETY HISTORIC BARBECUE TRAIL, as well as featured in GQ MAGAZINE, USA TODAY, OUR STATE MAGAZINE, TIME, WASHINGTON POST, and SOUTHERN LIVING. Because of the fruits of his labor, Steve and Geral, have been honored with the first NC Barbecue Revival Lifetime Achievement Award, were inducted in the inaugural North Carolina Bar-B-Que Hall of Fame, as well as the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame in Kansas in May, 2024. An honor well-deserved and one he was most proud to receive.
“Pitmaster Steve” also became a blessing to his family, and a wide community of friends throughout this state. As his health gradually declined, he stayed a presence in his business. He was a pillar of historical knowledge and had advice for all who asked him. He often left family and friends with a smile on their faces, and his generous spirit and sense of humor will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Kornegay Grady and his children.
Professional services entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.
