Ray Gill

Ray Alan Gill, 64, of Steele, Mo. and formerly of Blytheville, passed from this life early Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at his home.

Born in Blytheville to Ira Ray and Eva Bell (Lannum) Gill, Ray was the owner/operator of River City Spice Company. He graduated from Blytheville High School in 1969 and attended Kentucky State upon graduation. Ray was a machinist until he went into the barbecue business with his father, Ira "Red" Gill. Together they won numerous awards for their barbecue, and were nationally and internationally known Pit Masters, often viewed on The Food Network.

He is preceded in death by his father, Ira "Red" Gill; and brother, Ricky Gill.

Ray is survived by his wife, Glenda (Carpenter) Gill of the home;

Mother, Eva Gill of Blytheville;

Children, Ginger Gill Thompson and her husband Victor of Finley, Tenn., and Heath Gill of Jacksonville, Florida; and

One granddaughter, Gabriella Brown.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mike Welch officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 1:30 until service time. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.