MURPHYSBORO, Ill. (WSIL) -- The barbecue world lost a man who many called a legend and a promoter. No matter who you asked, they all described Mike Mills as a gracious and giving man.
The death of Mills, founder of the nationally acclaimed 17th Street Barbecue in Murphysboro and Marion, shook the community. Murphysboro mayor Will Stephens called Mills was a wonderful man.
Stephens says Mills always spoke highly of the area even when traveling around the nation.
"When people think about Murphysboro, they think about the Apple Festival and they think about the fact that we are the barbecue capital of Illinois," Stephens said. "One of the reasons for that is Mike Mills."
Mayor Stephens said Mills never met a stranger and described him as humble, someone who understood the community.
"He was somebody who gave back to the community," Stephens said.
One of Mills' friends of 55 years said they started cooking barbecue together in 1989. Over a five-year period, Pat Burke said they took 67 contests, and won six world championships.
"One of the hardest working people you could ever get around," Burke said. "He was the type of guy that could work eight or ten hours, reach down and get another six."
Another good friend, Ronald Mileur said he once worked for Mills. Mileur now reflects on some of the lessons he learned and continues using everyday in his business.
"Those little things, you'll never forget from Mike. He walked people out the door," Mileur said. "It's a sad day. It's hard for me to talk. Everybody's going to miss Mike."
Mileur and Stephens say they will never forget Mills' impact on the barbecue world and their respective communities. Both said their final farewell to a man affectionally known to many, simply, as the legend.
"Give him a hug, tell him that I loved him," said Mileur.
"Just say thanks Mike, because what you did for the community is something that will have an impact that will last forever," Stephens said. "The things that he did for this community and that will never really be known because just how generous his heart is. I'd just say thank you."
