I learned grilling from the father of a frequent World Champion barbecuer, both of whom are named Thad. The younger Thad, who we called Little Thad, is in Boar's Night Out. They win in lots of categories and frequently win the entire World. Thad has his own barbecue restaurant, Little Nick's. Thad is the third man from the left. Little Thad is called Big Thad by many people now.
I've known Thad since the day he was born. His family lived next door. I first saw Thad when his parents were bringing him from the van to the house, from the hospital. Thad, his family and my siblings credited me with saving his life from a racist adult man when Thad was 15. The racist tried to.club Thad in the head, with a heavy flint club. I jumped in front, caught the blow on my left shoulder and got the club from him. I then literally dragged Thad home, because he wanted to go after the man. Thad's dad, who we called Big Thad caught up to the racist, who was on foot, with his van and broke his jaw with a single punch.
Thad's parents were always very good to me before the attack and very grateful afterwards. They gave me a boat and trailer. They grilled, smoked and cooked an enormous amount of food my college graduation including a couple of hams and turkeys. Big Thad made some of the best barbecue I have ever eaten.
Big Thad was tough. He looked like a larger stronger version of George Foreman. Growing up down South, he used to catch groundhogs by hand, because he didn't have a gun. He would hold his hands over their holes and grab them with both hands.
Keith