Tammy Kelly
Our BBQ community once again mourns a legend. North Carolina Whole Hog Master Judge Pat Lee Adams, passed away on September 5, 2025. Pat and her husband John spent many years dedicated to the perfection of Eastern North Carolina BBQ.
Agriculture was in Pat’s blood as she grew up on a tobacco farm in Four Oaks, NC. She furthered her love for the land at North Carolina State University where she met her husband, John Adams. Pat had a love for all things livestock and taught her daughters how to raise pigs, heifers, horses, and lambs, as well as how to cook up a southern spread. She enjoyed a friendly competition and encouraged her family to participate in the North Carolina State Fair and various other area and local competitions.
Pat, a strong believer in education, served on the Greene County Board of Education for 28 years, 24 of which she was the chair. Always the public servant, she served on the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Advisory Council for many years.
Pat injected humor and fun into every occasion telling some of her best tales while coordinating and judging the Blind Taste competition for the Whole Hog State Championship for many years.
Fellow Master Judge, Brownie Futrell said of Pat Adams that “she was one of the kindest people I have ever known and she was completely devoted to her barbecue family. Her example of dignity and grace will be greatly missed by all those she touched.”
